Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by David Masoeu MPL and Afrikaans soundbite by Werner Pretorius MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned about the number of complaints received from Free State communities regarding the crisis of medication shortages in healthcare facilities. Gateway Clinic at National Hospital, Thebe Hospital, among others, have been affected by not having adequate medication for the patients. This crisis has severely impacted service delivery in the province’s public health sector, particularly during the festive season, when inventory levels reached their lowest point.
The medical depot, which serves as the distribution point for medical supplies to healthcare facilities, experienced structural issues after the ceiling collapsed in November 2025. This resulted in the depot’s closure because it was unsafe for employees to continue working, further impacting medication supplies to healthcare facilities.
The First Quarter Report 2025/2026 on the Provincial Department of Health reveals a dire financial situation within the Department. This is despite the MEC’s promise during the budget speech that there was sufficient funding for medication.
The Department of Health needs to utilise funds allocated and ensure that replenishment and medical stock remain adequate to supply hospitals and clinics. Failure to do so exposes patients to further deterioration of medical conditions, especially those who are suffering from chronic health complications.
The DA will ask the MEC responsible for Health, Mr Mahlatsi, questions about the critical situation regarding medication availability and provision in the Free State. We remain committed to ensuring that the Free State communities are prioritised and provided with the service that they deserve.