Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Mariette Pittaway MPL and Sesotho by Karabo Khakhau MP.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State notes with concern the Provincial Department of Health’s inability to fulfil its commitment, as previously stated in the media by the MEC to garner votes, to provide each ward in the province with a dedicated and fully staffed ambulance.
This unrealistic promise is particularly troubling, given the Department’s consistent failure to meet even its most basic responsibilities. During today’s Portfolio Committee session, in response to questions posed by the DA, the HOD of the Provincial Department of Health admitted that the MEC had made these assurances before conducting a feasibility study or obtaining budget approval. This comes at a time when the National Department of Health has imposed a moratorium on further staff appointments.
The Department of Health has persistently fallen short in its duty to supply adequate staff and resources to the Free State’s current Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facilities. The people of the Free State are suffering due to the department’s negligence in adequately staffing healthcare facilities, providing essential resources, and adequately training existing staff.
While there are less than 70 ambulances serving Free State residents, these resources are underutilized, inadequately resourced, and understaffed. Following our inquiries, the HOD conceded that this ambitious project of the MEC may only be feasible in the Xhariep District Municipality. Making promises that the department cannot realistically fulfil appears to be a mere political strategy aimed at securing votes rather than genuinely assisting the communities of the Free State.
The DA commits to holding the Provincial Department of Health accountable for its promises. We will work diligently to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient allocation of resources in the healthcare sector, prioritizing the well-being of communities.
The failure of the Provincial Department of Health to deliver on its commitments has resulted in inadequate healthcare services, causing suffering and frustration among the people of the Free State. It has also eroded trust in the government’s ability to provide essential services, ultimately affecting the overall quality of life in the province.