POLOKWANE – Limpopo Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego has condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation of healthcare workers by members of political parties conducting what they describe as oversight visits at public health facilities.

Her comments follow incidents at Mankweng Hospital, where healthcare workers were allegedly subjected to conduct that exceeded the boundaries of legitimate oversight and accountability processes, according to the Department.

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“Healthcare workers dedicate their lives to serving our communities, often under difficult circumstances. They deserve respect, support and protection while carrying out their duties. Any form of intimidation, harassment or disruption of healthcare services under the guise of oversight is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Mashego said.

She said while the department supports the constitutional principles of transparency, accountability and public participation, these must be exercised responsibly and within the framework of the law.

“Accountability cannot come at the expense of patient care. There is a clear distinction between constructive oversight and conduct that undermines the ability of healthcare workers to provide services to the public. When healthcare professionals are harassed while attending to patients, it is ultimately communities that suffer the consequences,” she said.

Mashego also cautioned political parties against using public health facilities as platforms for political campaigning ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections.

She stressed that patients should not be exposed to political activities while seeking medical treatment and that healthcare workers should not be forced to operate in environments marked by political confrontation.

“Complaints, concerns and dissatisfaction regarding healthcare services must never be politicised. There are established channels through which concerns can be raised, investigated and addressed. Exploiting challenges within the health system for political gain does not solve problems. Instead, it risks eroding public confidence and destabilising healthcare institutions,” she said.

Mashego called on political parties, public representatives and community structures to engage constructively with the department, with the shared goal of improving healthcare services across Limpopo.