A video, shared by a resident who visited the clinic situated in town, showed overgrown vegetation and an untidy exterior, raising concerns that the facility had not been cleaned for some time. The footage sparked public outrage and renewed criticism over the maintenance of health facilities in the province.

The Free State department of health acknowledged the concerns and accepted responsibility for the condition of the clinic.

“We take full responsibility for the lapses observed and sincerely apologise to patients, staff, and the community. We are acting with urgency to restore and maintain a clean, safe, and dignified environment.”

The department said immediate corrective measures were implemented. Rapid clean-up and maintenance teams were deployed to clear overgrown vegetation and remove accumulated refuse around the facility. 

In addition, a strengthened cleaning and grounds-upkeep schedule has been introduced to prevent a recurrence of similar issues. Despite the maintenance challenges, the department emphasised that clinical services at Welkom Clinic remain fully operational and that patient care has not been interrupted.

The Department of Health further indicated that it will provide regular progress updates as part of a focused Facility Improvement Plan aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and improved conditions at health facilities.

The Free State health department has faced ongoing backlash over poor maintenance of facilities and the quality of services delivered to patients across the province. 

These concerns prompted Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae to conduct oversight visits to several health facilities, where she discovered abandoned construction projects, deteriorating infrastructure, and long waiting times for patients.

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Meanwhile, Free State health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said the department is working on implementing an Electronic Medical Records system. 

The system is expected to make patients’ health information accessible at any clinic across the province and the country, ensuring that patients are not denied access to healthcare because they are without a clinic card or are consulting at a facility away from their usual clinic.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh