Significant progress had been made in addressing long-standing concerns from the community about deteriorating conditions at the Boitumelo Regional Hospital,in Kroonstad, following the refurbishment of a section of the facility at a cost of R131 million.

Free State MEC for Health, Mr. Monyatso Mahlatsi, and the MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms. Dibolelo Mance, conducted an oversight visit to Hospital on Friday,. The project is set for completion by June this year.

They were joined by the Head of Department for Health, Mr Ernest Mohlahlo; Hospital CEO, Ms Bongi Mthimkhulu; and other senior managers.

The refurbishment spans core patient-care and support areas, including general wards, the kitchen, administration block, mortuary and medical blocks. According to the project team, the first-floor passage, administration block and a general ward have been fully completed.

Work nearing completion includes the boiler room, gas bank, doctors’ lounge and repairs to the gynaecology ward.

“There’s noticeable progress here with major work having been completed,” said MEC Mance, who also noted the project’s local economic impact. Forty-one local residents are currently employed on site, and 11 local enterprises have been appointed as subcontractors.

MEC Mahlatsi said the renovations form part of the department’s broader, scheduled programme of service delivery improvements and maintenance in various health facilities across the province. He emphasised the department’s focus on upgrading health infrastructure across the province, so that patients can receive care in safe, high-quality environments.