Presenting her department's 2021/22 budget in Qwaqwa, Tsiu has confirmed the department has started implementing the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out plan which targets 67% of the total Free State population in order to achieve herd or population immunity. The total number of positive Covid-19 cases in the province stands at 82 308, with 77 267 recoveries and 3 575 deaths. Tabling the department's R12,1 billion, Tsiu announced that a large portion of the budget is allocated towards fighting against the spread of the pandemic.

This, coupled with ensuring adequate medical supplies at healthcare facilities, ensuring training and development of medical staff as well as infrastructure development, amongst others.

Tsiu confirmed the 67% target equates to 1,9 million people in the province who must be vaccinated over a 12-month period.

She adds the department will be appointing more medical personnel to strengthen the fight against the pandemic and to meet health needs.

"We remain steadfast on the provision of seamless patient-centered healthcare services that add value to human life," she said.

OFM News