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The Democratic Alliance (DA) conducted an oversight visit to Boitumelo Regional Hospital in Kroonstad to assess the progress of the hospital's renovations, particularly those pertaining to the operating theatres.

During our inspection, we discovered that the primary theatre complex, consisting of five operating rooms, is currently inaccessible due to construction partitioning. Upon further inquiry, it was revealed that the theatres had been closed following a ceiling collapse in the operating rooms just two weeks ago, despite a recent ceiling replacement a few months prior.

Presently, the Maternity Ward operating theatre is being utilized for emergency surgeries, exacerbating the already substantial backlog of scheduled procedures.

The DA is encouraged to learn that a construction company is on-site, and it is anticipated that the main operating theatres will be fully operational and ready for use by 22 September 2023.

We are eagerly awaiting the findings of the Human Rights Commission's investigation, which we initiated by submitting a report in March. This report outlines egregious human rights violations occurring at this hospital.

The DA remains committed to monitoring the progress of these long-awaited renovations at Boitumelo Regional Hospital and will revisit the facility accordingly.

Issued by Mariette Pittaway MPL - DA Free State Spokesperson: Health & Education