By Boitumelo Shuping:
The Select Committee on Social Services concluded its two-day oversight visit to Mangaung Metro where infrastructure challenges, project delays, and capacity pressures emerged as consistent concerns across public health facilities visited on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 March 2026.
The committee conducted site inspections at Mmabana Phahameng Clinic, Heidedal Community Health Centre and Pelonomi Regional Hospital on the first day, followed by visits to MUCPP Community Health Centre, Gateway Clinic, the Free State (FS) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Depot, National District Hospital, and Universitas Academic Hospital on the second day.
Across the facilities, members noted recurring issues, including aging infrastructure, maintenance backlogs, limited space, delays in infrastructure projects and increasing pressure on healthcare personnel, pointing to broader systemic challenges affecting service delivery.
Briefings highlight systemic challenges
During initial briefings, the committee received presentations detailing infrastructure constraints, maintenance backlogs, and delays in key development projects across public health facilities.
Officials also highlighted financial constraints as a major limitation, noting that restricted budgets continue to hinder maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, and overall service delivery.
Committee members applauded Health MEC, Monyatso Mahlatsi for transparency and emphasised the importance of accountability in addressing both operational and funding-related issues
“There must be honesty about the challenges on the ground. Do not downplay issues or try to present a better picture. If there are problems, say so, so that we can ensure the necessary support and resources are provided,” said committee member Makhi Feni.
Mmabana Phahameng Clinic under overwhelmed
Officials at Mmabana Phahameng Clinic highlighted growing pressure from a rapidly expanding population in the Phahameng township, with space limitations affecting service delivery, particularly during peak periods. Routine maintenance is ongoing, but a backlog in mechanical and roofing repairs remains. The clinic continues to rely on Heidedal Community Health Centre for referrals, reflecting broader strain across facilities.
Heidedal Community Health Centre faces antenatal and TB pressures
Heidedal Community Health Centre, a 24-hour facility serving multiple communities, raised the question of persistent pressure on its antenatal and tuberculosis (TB) units. Officials highlighted limited space, chronic staff shortages, insufficient support infrastructure, and the need for improved ventilation, including air conditioning in the TB unit.
Routine maintenance is underway, but challenges remain in meeting patient demand and ensuring safe, adequate care. Committee members recommended immediate attention to staffing, medication supply, and infrastructure upgrades, including the need for installation of air conditioning and a staff support area, to alleviate pressure on frontline services.
Pelonomi Regional Hospital maternity ward expansion delayed
At Pelonomi, the committee focused on the long-delayed maternity ward expansion, which has been under development for almost 15 years. The project, including additional delivery theatres and associated facilities, has faced repeated setbacks due to contract delays, funding constraints, and infrastructure bottlenecks, including parking and support systems. Committee members emphasised that timely completion of the expansion is critical to relieve pressure on existing maternity services and accommodate growing patient numbers.
MEC Mahlatsi responds on interventions needed
When asked about the main interventions required, Mahlatsi said many of the challenges require budgetary support. “The National Health Insurance will help channel resources to the facilities carrying the greatest burden of care,” said Mahlatsi. The DoH indicated it is working to address infrastructure and service delivery challenges while pushing for improved project implementation.
Committee signals recommendations
Based on observations from both days, the committee indicated it will make recommendations to address recurring infrastructure challenges, improve project management, and ensure better allocation of resources.
Committee chairperson, Desery Wellin Fienies, said the committee would recommend the deployment of mobile clinics to alleviate pressure at facilities such as Mmabana Phahameng Clinic and emphasised the need for the province to address persistent staff shortages, medicine supply challenges, and ageing infrastructure.
In their overall assessment, committee members identified infrastructure challenges and medicine availability as the most pressing issues affecting service delivery across the facilities visited. The oversight visit concluded on Thursday, with the committee expected to consolidate its findings and make formal recommendations aimed at improving service delivery in Mangaung’s public health facilities. – @NewsSA_Online
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