VIDEO: Lim Health Dept silent on R20m meant for dental upgrades
One of the most affected facilities, Rethabile Clinic's dental unit, faces an indefinite shutdown until a safer permanent facility is established.
POLOKWANE – Concerns are mounting within the Department of Health regarding the whereabouts of an estimated R20m budget that was previously allocated to refurbish public oral health facilities across the province.
An internal report from the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital, seen by Polokwane Observer, reveals that infrastructure in many dental units – particularly those at secondary and tertiary health facilities – is in a dire state, posing significant risks to both patients and staff. The money, allocated last year to improve public oral healthcare, has yet to be used for its intended purpose.
The department’s spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana, has however, not responded to multiple enquiries on why this is the case.
Sources close to the audit team responsible for assessing these facilities suspect that the money was diverted to other hospital projects without formal approval, leaving critical dental units in disrepair.
One of the most affected facilities, Rethabile Clinic’s dental unit, is facing an indefinite temporary shutdown, with no set timeline for equipment purchases or necessary repairs.
Staff and patients have been redirected to Pietersburg Dental Clinic, “while a permanent facility that meets safe dental service standards is being established,” according to a leaked report compiled by the head of oral and dental services.
The report also highlights alarming health hazards, including dental instruments being sterilised in a toilet area, a practice deemed unsafe for continued operations.
Photos from Rethabile Clinic show an outdated, dirt-covered autoclave steriliser machine – replacement costs range between R34 000 and R110 000 – as well as a worn-down dental chair covered in plastic, which could cost over R100 000 to replace.
Despite repeated attempts to trace the allocated budget, Polokwane Observer has been unable to obtain answers from Shikwambana.
Queries sent on February 11 via WhatsApp regarding a restoration timeline, past maintenance periods, and the current status of the budget went unanswered.
A follow-up on February 17, via both text and call, also yielded no response.
