The Free State MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, convened an urgent bilateral engagement involving the management of the Free State Department of Health and the Free State Provincial Office of the Department of Labour and Employment on Monday, 26 May.
This meeting aimed to address the outstanding issues delaying the lifting of the prohibition notice that led to the closure of the Bloemfontein Government Mortuary.
Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health, said during the meeting, it was acknowledged that most of the issues prompting the prohibition notice had been satisfactorily resolved. However, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system remains a critical concern.
Furthermore, the meeting highlighted that the Forensic Pathology Services are currently managing a backlog of approximately 35 bodies awaiting autopsies, conducted at designated sites in Welkom, Kroonstad, and Sasolburg. The necessity for officials to travel to these sites has added strain to their workload.
“The discussions concluded positively, with both departments expressing a commitment to ensuring that government facilities comply with Occupational Health and Safety regulations. This aims to protect personnel while also being responsive to pressing service delivery needs.
“The Department of Health remains hopeful that continued collaboration will lead to timely resolutions, preventing any further delays,” Mvambi said.
