DA barred from performing oversight at Pelonomi hospital

19 March 2024

Today, during an unannounced visit to Pelonomi Hospital in the Free State, the DA was barred from entering and conducting an oversight despite conducting oversight here several times in the past.

The hospital’s decision to refuse entry today is alarming and raises questions on what they have to hide. A member of staff who spoke to us anonymously alleges that the hospital is unable to buy medicine because of accruals.

The hospital also has the highest number of medico-legal claims in the Free State with 96 claims valued at over R1 billion. The seriousness of the related claims and previous concerns warranted an oversight and urgent action.

South African public health care is in crisis, this is not the time to shy away from addressing critical issues and accountability.

The DA’s objective is to ensure that no person is excluded from accessing quality healthcare and that the Department of Health is held to account.

Issued by Michele Clarke, DA Shadow Minister of Health, 19 March 2024