Donderdag 17 Julie 2025
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GRATIS
Failing healthcare facilities in need of intervention
At-risk babies prompt action LIENTJIE MENTZ AND TEBOHO SETENA The maternity ward at the National District Hospital was relocated to ward 8 on Wednesday, 16 July, after ward 4 in this hospital was closed last week after five babies developed hypothermia.
Begin fees op plesierige noot Karen Zoid het die gehoor meegevoer met haar vertoning op Maandag 14 Julie, waarmee vanjaar se Vrystaat Kunstefees begin het. Die fees duur nog tot Saterdag 19 Julie. Lees meer op bl. 4 en bl. 9. Foto: Zita-filmz
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Preller Walk Shopping Centre, Dan Pienaar 99
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PnP cheddar cheese
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The maternity ward at the National District Hospital was relocated on Wednesday after five babies had developed hypothermia in the previous ward. Healthcare infrastructure in the Free State is said to have reached a critical point. Photo: Teboho Setena
low temperatures. “Despite the recent allocation of R14,1 billion by the Free State Department of Health to strengthen services and infrastructure, the situation on the ground tells a different story. “Multiple government mortuaries – including those in Botshabelo, Bethlehem, and Phuthaditjhaba − have been forced to close due to non-compliance and unsafe conditions. “The Bloemfontein mortuary remains only partially operational, severely compromising forensic pathology services and the dignity of the deceased.” Pelser said the infrastructure
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collapse was not only a violation of basic human rights, but also a public health emergency. “Communities are being denied access to essential services and healthcare workers are operating under unsafe and unsustainable conditions. “The people of the Free State deserve a healthcare system that is functional, dignified and responsive. We cannot allow systemic neglect to continue while lives hang in the balance.” Mvambi has confirmed that five babies that suffered hypothermia in ward 4, were discharged and are doing well at home.
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The Department of Labour and Employment issued a prohibition notice against the 21-bed maternity ward at the National hospital due to low temperatures in the ward. Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Free State Departement of Health said on Friday that the hospital activated a diversion of low-risk cases to the Mangaung University Community Partnership Programme (MUCCP) in Phelindaba, while high-risk cases were attended to at the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital. The maternity ward was moved to ward 4 after the fire at National on 7 July last year. The hospital is still under construction after the fire. Lynsie Pelser, spokesperson for the Public Servants Association (PSA) said the ongoing deterioration of healthcare infrastructure in the Free State has reached a critical point. “We demand the immediate and decisive intervention of the national Department of Health and the national government,” she said in a news release on Thursday. The PSA asked for intervention in ward 4, where babies, staff, and mothers were exposed to extremely
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Kellogg's corn flakes toasted 750g
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PnP white bread 600g
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Reese charka or briquettes 4kg (pink bag)
PROMOTION IS VALID FROM WEDNESDAY 16 JULY TILL SUNDAY 20 JULY.
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