This is a correction of figures that were announced by the provincial health MEC, Montseng Tsiu, on Friday as she tabled her department’s budget virtually.  Tsiu incorrectly stated 167 healthcare workers had succumbed to the virus when that number in fact represented the number of frontline workers in the health sector that had contracted COVID-19 thus far. Tsiu is further requesting that the process of consolidating the figures of healthcare workers infected must be expedited, so that she can pay homage to these workers’ lives and sacrifices, says Mvambi.

During the tabling of her budget vote, Tsiu revealed that the recruitment of medical personnel in the form of doctors, nurses, amongst others in the Free State, is at an advanced stage. According to her speech, the department has made 54 permanent appointments since April 2020. With regards to the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic the department has appointed a further 340 Professional Nurses, 175 Staff Nurses, 275 Assistant Nurses, 23 Medical Officers, 60 cleaners, 88 household aids and 84 clerks on contractual basis. 

Tsiu has highlighted that the financial and economic situation remains unpredictable as the health of the community is dynamic and that there is now an increased demand for funding due to the need for more human capital, equipment, and medicines amongst other needs. She further vowed that her department's R12.4 billion budget will amongst others prioritise the recruitment of more personnel and ensuring that health demands across the province are met.

At present the Free State has 12 606 active cases and 63 deaths. The recovery rate remains low, standing at 1873.

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