EFF councillor, Baba Sebolao, who has been contacted by one of the disgruntled front line healthcare workers, tells OFM News staff members are demanding the Bloemfontein-based hospital be closed down following an alleged coronavirus case. 

This is yet to be confirmed by the Free State Health Department, who are expected to comment on the demonstrations in due course. The strike comes three days since the situation at the Fezi Ngubentombi Hospital in Sasolburg descended into chaos as staff also demanded that the hospital be shut down due to confirmed coronavirus cases. 

Provincial Health Department spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, said in reaction to the demonstration last week that calls for hospitals to be closed are impractical and unsustainable.

The situation at both Fezi Ngubentombi and National Hospitals is mimicking those seen at the Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Hospital in Phuthaditjhaba, the Senorita Ntlabathi Hospital in Ladybrand last month, and the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein as far back as April. The concerns and demands remain the same. The claim remains there is a lack of protective equipment for healthcare workers on the front lines.

According to figures from the national health department, the Free State now has 2079 confirmed coronavirus cases and nineteen deaths, the bulk of which are found in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, which includes Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Thaba’ Nchu and Wepener. 

The Mangaung region is followed closely by the Fezile Dabi and the Lejweleputsa regions with regards to the number of cases.

OFM News