Central SA
Fire at Free State medical storage facility investigated─── ZENANDE MPAME 12:21 Tue, 20 May 2025
The Free State Department of Health is investigating the cause of a fire that resulted in the destruction of dental stock and equipment stored at the Lejweleputswa District Department in Welkom.
The fire broke out on Monday evening (19/5) at the supply chain management stores department located in the Kopano District Health office.
It destroyed medical supplies, essential dental equipment, and materials vital for oral healthcare services across the district that were housed at the department.
“The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and the full extent of the damage has yet to be assessed,” said Free State Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi.
“The adjacent store, which housed stationery supplies, suffered only water damage, we are relieved to report that no injuries have occurred as a result of this unfortunate event.”
He promised further updates as more information became available. “We work diligently to address the aftermath of this incident.”
Meanwhile, contractors were expected to be on site at the National District Hospital in Bloemfontein, which has been closed for ten months after the fire that ravaged one of the hospital's wards and led to the evacuation of 83 patients.
There were no reported fatalities or injuries from the blaze, but the aftermath has left a long-lasting impact on healthcare delivery and staff operations in the Free State.
The closure of the National District Hospital has caused a significant influx of patients to Pelonomi Hospital, which was already operating under strain.
“The upgrade and repair work of the burnt wards at the National District Hospital was subjected to a public tender process, which is at the adjudication stage now,” said Mvambi.
“It is anticipated that the contractors will be on-site from May 2025. The affected services since the fire include casualties. There are certain services that have been fully restored at the hospital following last year’s fire.”
Bloemfontein Courant reports that the services that have been fully restored are the pharmacy, outpatient department, medical ward, x-ray, maternity ward and high-risk pregnancy clinic, paediatric day clinic, termination of pregnancy clinic, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietitians, and social workers.
