Over nine months have passed since a fire devastated one of the wards at the National District Hospital in Bloemfontein, forcing the relocation of 83 patients to various medical facilities across the Mangaung Metro.

Bloemfontein Courant reports that while no fatalities occurred, the incident has had a lasting impact on healthcare services and staff operations in the Free State.

The closure of National District Hospital has led to a significant increase in patient numbers at Pelonomi Hospital, which was already under considerable pressure.

Free State Department of Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi provided an update on the situation, stating that they are currently waiting for the tender process to proceed.

“The upgrade and repair work of the burnt wards at the National District Hospital was subjected to a public tender process which is at the adjudication stage now. It is anticipated that the contractors will be on-site from May. The affected services since the fire include casualties. Plans have been made for a temporary casualty ward at Pelonomi premises run by National District Hospital staff.”

Mvambi added that certain services have been fully restored at National District Hospital following last year’s fire.

“The pharmacy, out-patient department, medical ward, X-ray, maternity ward and high-risk pregnancy clinic, paediatric (kids) day clinic, termination of pregnancy clinic, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietitians and social workers [have been fully restored],” Mvambi mentioned.

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