The Free State Department of Health this week responded to DA allegations regarding alleged collapse in service delivery at the Parys Clinic, emphasising that the Clinic has never stopped providing the required Primary Health Care Services to people in its catchment area.

This follows after the DA questioned the department about ongoing concerns over infrastructure failures, staff shortages, a lack of resources, and alleged unsafe working conditions that continue to affect both patients and healthcare workers at the clinic.

One of the most concerning issues is the complete failure of the clinic’s solar system, DA Councillor Mari La Cock said.

According to La Cock the batteries are reportedly completely dead, with replacement costs estimated at approximately R400 000. It has been alleged that no service agreement was ever signed after the handover.

“The collapse of the solar system has also compromised the clinic’s security infrastructure,” La Cock said.
Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Department, said the issue of the solar system has been escalated to provincial infrastructure, and it is being prioritised for repairs and maintenance. “The department’s Engineers are engaged with the installers to get the correct specifications and finalise the repair and servicing of the solar system,” he said.

Mvambi added that the clinic has been utilising electricity from the municipality.

“Challenges faced are minimal as there has not been any loadshedding,” Mvambi said.

Referring to the DA’s concerns raised over staff shortages, Mvambi confirmed that the clinic currently has three professional nurses, one enrolled nurse, one nursing auxiliary, one pharmacist assistant, two clerks, and two EPWP Cleaners. There are four security officers allocated to manage the facility.

The DA escalated the party’s concerns in June 2025, but did not receive meaningful feedback or intervention from the relevant authorities as yet.