‘Unacceptable’: Parliament sounds alarm over Northern Cape health facilities
Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley was among the facilities flagged during Parliament’s oversight visit to the Northern Cape.
Image: File picture / DFA
A THREE-DAY parliamentary oversight visit has exposed deep-rooted problems across Northern Cape health facilities – from crumbling infrastructure and medicine shortages to chronic understaffing – prompting urgent calls for intervention.
The Select Committee on Social Services wrapped up its visit to the Province this week after inspecting hospitals and clinics in Kimberley, Kuruman, Danielskuil and Delportshoop.
The delegation visited Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital, Beaconsfield Clinic, Kuruman Hospital, Tshwaragano District Hospital, Wrenchville Clinic and the Delportshoop and Danielskuil clinics. The only facility that escaped criticism was the new Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital in Kimberley.
In Kimberley, the delegation visited the Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital, and Beaconsfield Clinic. In Kuruman, the oversight included Tshwaragano District Hospital, Kuruman Hospital and Wrenchville Clinic, while further visits were conducted at the clinics in Danielskuil and Delportshoop.
During the oversight, the committee reported a range of troubling issues common to nearly all facilities – with the exception of the new mental health hospital in Kimberley. Ageing infrastructure, buildings too small to meet patient demand, shortages of essential medicines and severe staff shortages were all found to be directly compromising the quality of care that communities receive.
The committee has called on the Northern Cape Department of Health to prioritise urgent and sustainable interventions to strengthen the province’s healthcare system.
Committee chairperson Desery Fienies stressed that the situation cannot continue unchecked.
"The conditions observed during our oversight visit are unacceptable and must be addressed as a matter of urgency. The committee will continue to monitor progress to ensure that corrective actions are implemented,” said Fienies.
She emphasised that the right to quality healthcare is a fundamental constitutional right and that the province’s facilities must be able to deliver equitable and dignified services.
A detailed report outlining the committee’s findings and recommendations will be prepared and submitted to the National Council of Provinces for further deliberation and engagement with the relevant authorities.