The National District Hospital in Bloemfontein remains closed for use, with the prohibition notice issued by the Department of Employment and Labour also effective.
The prohibition was enforced immediately after the fire had gutted three sections of at the hospital, which is one of the major health facilities used by the provincial Department of Health.
The prohibition notice was still in effect as no repairs have been done to the affected section by the Department of Health, said Cebisa Siyobi, provincial spokesperson for the Department of Employment and Labour.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the fire originated outside the structure.”
According to Siyobi, the police forensic investigations are still ongoing into the cause of the fire that left three sections in ruins: ward 3, for paediatrics; ward 5, which is classified as a mixed ward; and ward 7, for male patients.
Currently, sections operating are the gateway clinic, pharmacy, outpatient department, and the ophthalmology (eye) clinic.
In the interim, patients are referred to Pelonomi Regional Hospital and the MUCPP Community Health Centre. – Teboho Setena
