Witrand hospital is one of the two Specialized Hospitals providing psychiatric, intellectual disability, physical medicine and rehabilitative services for the entire North West Province. It focuses on the management of Specialized Hospital Care Services and quality of care through the optimal usage of available resources guided by relevant protocols and standard operating procedures.

The Hospital was built around 1924 and turned 101 years in September 2024 and is 275 hectors in size. As part of the oversight to plan, direct, co-ordinate and manage health facilities effectively, the Hospital has systems and processes in place to effectively monitor provision of services and implement escalation protocol from time to time.

The following issues which were raised by SABC Media House are similar to issues that were previously also raised by one Union in June 2023, August 2024 and the recent inquiry. The progress and engagement around these matters were done through the recognized structures which is the Labour Forum and detailed engagements were done.

1. ALL MACHINERY, INCLUDING BOILERS, LAUNDRY AND CLEANING EQUIPMENT ARE NOT WORKING

1.1 Status of Boilers The Hospital is operating with two Coal-fired Boilers to provide steam for all areas within the hospital and is refurbished as a major capital planning project (IDTS). The boilers bid has been advertised and there were no responsive bidders. It was then re-advertised in April 2025 for appointment of a service provider with a closing date of 9th June 2025. To mitigate this risk, Management procured 43 geysers to provide hot water for bathing of patients.

1.2 Status of Laundry Machines The Laundry is operating with three (3) big and other small machines for laundering services including washing of linen and patient clothing. Currently the Laundry Department is functional and is dispatching linen and clothing as per schedule to various wards and areas in the hospital. The non-functional machines will be repaired in 2025/2026 financial year. The Laundry machines like any machinery is bound to break from time to time, and are repaired within the available budget. If there are challenges within Laundry services the Management activates a contingency plan to request assistance of laundering services around the District and Province. The Hospital also utilize overtime for staff to assist with laundering services including washing privately within available budget. Klerksdorp / Tshepong Hospital Complex where the Central Laundry is located also assist with laundering services during and after hours.

1.3 Status of Cleaning Equipment

The Cleaning Equipment is not adequate, however the hospital is allocated budget every financial year to procure cleaning equipment as per demand plan. If there are challenges with budget the matter is elevate to the Province for financial assistance.

2. LACK OF ADEQUATE FOOD AND TOILETRIES 2.1 Status of Food Items Provisioning of food for patients is as per the menus determined by the Dietician according to patients’ therapeutic diets, namely puree, soft and diabetic diets. Catering services is outsourced and budget is allocated to Facilities as part of contractual obligations. The Province also assist if there are challenges of food item availability and submission of financial risks. Special provision to deviate to buy out of contract as approved by the Head of the Department. The allegations of patient death due to unavailability of food need to be confirmed by clinicians who has the expertise to diagnosis and confirm the death of a patient, however the last time Witrand Hospital experienced food shortage was in March 2024 and a contingency plan of deviation from the Service Level Agreement was approved and the Hospital bought the necessary items. Not a single day went by without patients getting food. As indicated in the video which went viral regarding patients being fed viennas, the Hospital want to state under record that the picture circulated are old as 2022 and in the current Service Level Agreement there is no processed food as part of the menus for Witrand Hospital.

2.2 Status of Toiletries During the months of August 2024 and January 2025 the Hospital experienced shortage of toiletries due to budget constraints. Management took a decision to borrow from a neighbouring hospitals and sourced more funding from the Province for procurement of toiletries and were delivered. Currently toiletries are available in the Hospital.

3. POWER OUTAGES From time to time the Hospital experience some power outages due to the old network reticulation which is attended to by Management and the Province (IDTS) and the Hospital Management is aware of the challenge and is doing everything in their power to restore electricity within the Hospital. Currently IDTS is on site with three (3) rented generators to connect all areas without power whilst finalizing for a permanent solution which is at an advanced state. Already two (2) wards are connected to the generator while the others remaining areas the Service Provider is busy connecting to two (2) other generators. All areas will have power by the end of the day.

4. ALLEGATION OF MISUSE OF PERSONAL PRIVATE FUNDING The funding referred to is not a “Personal Private Funding”, but rather referred to as “Private Patient Funding” (PPF). The fund is an initiative of the Patient, Parents and Friends Association which were initiated long time ago to cater for smaller patient needs. The management of the fund was the responsibility of the association and not Witrand Hospital Management, where the treasurer was appointed by the Parents to manage the fund. The then treasurer of the fund will be able to provide clarity on the status of the funds. No Manager of Witrand Hospital is a signatory to the fund. It need to be noted that the services provided to in-patient or any out-patient is the responsibility of the Hospital within the allocated budget. So PPF should not be mistaken that it replaces the budget of the Hospital. The current status of the fund is not known to the Management of Witrand Hospital, thus the allegation of money laundering, corruption and mismanagement is unfounded until it is proven. The Hospital recommends that a formal investigation within the Fraud and Ethics prescripts be initiated which will assist to proof the credibility and truthfulness of the allegation. The issues raised as allegations in line with the Department escalation protocol, procedures and processes are dealt with and progress from time to time is shared.

5. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Human Resource Management provision is one core element that supports patient care. Witrand Hospital is recruiting and appointing staff on the basis of the approved Organogram of 2007 which is currently under review and is at an advanced stage to be finalized. The Hospital is functioning with an approved structure of 1024 and 82.8% of these posts are filled vs the vacancy rate of 17.2% which has significantly improved over the years. The Hospital has filled all the advertised replacement posts from 2022 till 2024 whilst the process of advertised posts for 2024/2025 is underway. As part of Human Resource Management processes and Top Management Agenda Items, Exit Interviews are discussed and interventions planned around issues that are within the confines of the Hospital as others leave due to personal reasons. Not all employees that are leaving are completing the Exit Interview forms. The report is also discussed in the Institutional Review Meetings on a monthly basis.

-ENDS-

Media enquiries: Mr Tshegofatso Mothibedi (Departmental Spokesperson) 073 503 5045 | +27 662609496

Or

For further information: Mr. Tebogo Lekgethwane (Director: Media and Communication) E-mail: NWHealthquiries@nwpg.gov.za ISSUED BY THE NORTH WEST DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi in his capacity as the Provincial Chairperson of Provincial Council on AIDS (PCA) will lead the provincial commemoration of World TB Day on 20 March 2025 in Tshing Township (Ventersdorp) JB Marks Local Municipality in Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District. The World TB Day 2025 will be commemorated under the theme “Yes! You and I Can End TB: Commit, Invest.”

World TB Day is commemorated on the 24 March every year to raise awareness about the devastating health, social and economic impact of tuberculosis (TB) and urge acceleration of efforts to end the global TB epidemic. Premier Mokgosi will be supported by MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, PCA Members, Civil society representatives and various social partners.

The Provincial commemoration event will be held as follows:

Date : 20 March 2025

Venue: Tshing sportsground, Ventersdorp

Time : 09:00

The event will feature integrated service delivery by various departments and social partners at the venue.

Media houses are invited to cover the above-mentioned event.

Ends.

Issued by the Office of the Premier For enquiries, contact



Sello Tatai Spokesperson to the Premier North West Provincial Government Cell: 064 756 2510/082 450 7842 E-mail: statai38@gmail.com

Or

Brian Setswambung Provincial Head of Communication Office of the Premier North West Provincial Government Cell: 076 012 4501 E-mail: BSetswambung@nwpg.gov.za

Rustenburg- North West MEC for Health Sello Lehari joined by departmental management and stakeholders today officially opened the Boitekong Clinic in the Bojanala District Municipality.

Boitekong clinic which was officially opened in 1995 recently underwent refurbishments which were funded by multiple stakeholders.

The upgrades sponsored by the Gift of the Givers Foundation included the installation of a Parameter fence, gates, a guardhouse, ceiling and air conditioners. Sibanye Stillwaters mine repaired the leaking roof, flooring, painting, plumbing, installed WIFI and a service board. Bonitas medical fund installed a borehole and water tanks while PEPFAR/ANOVA constructed an administration block for the facility.

Speaking during the ceremony MEC Sello Lehari said the re-opening formed part of undertakings made by provincial Goverment to strengthen the delivery of health services to the people of the North West province. “In my maiden budget speech on 30 July 2024, the Department committed to officially open several healthcare facilities to accelerate service delivery.

“We are steadfast in keeping to that promise, despite various challenges,” MEC Lehari said.

“We accept that Some of the challenges that are not within our control, but those that are, we deal with THEM promptly and swiftly,” he added. MEC Lehari thanked all strategic partners for their role in upgrading the facility.

“I would like to, on behalf of government and members of the community, express gratitude to all stakeholders for ensuring that this facility becomes operational. It is with efforts from different stakeholders that our community members are taken care of, no matter the circumstances,” said MEC Lehari.

Boitekong clinic was initially owned by the Rustenburg Local Municipality and was officially handed over to the provincial Department of Health in 2013.

It is situated in ward 20 within the Rustenburg Local Municipality. The Catchment Population has increased from 53 322 in 2024 to 54 683 in 2025. The clinic operates for 12 hours (from 7am – 7pm) from Monday to Sunday. The facility refers stable patients to Boitekong Community Healthcare Centre situated 5 kilometres away while critical patients are referred to Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital, 14 km away. -ENDS-

Media enquiries: Mr Tshegofatso Mothibedi (Departmental Spokesperson) Lmothibedi@nwpg.gov.za 073 503 5045 | +27 662609496

Or For further information: Mr. Tebogo Lekgethwane (Director: Media and Communication) 0674227763 tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za ISSUED BY THE NORTH WEST DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

The North West Department of Health wishes to assure patients and communities of a stable supply of medicines and other pharmaceutical Services despite the ongoing challenges which are being attended to. It is important to note that pharmaceutical Services in North West Province was placed under internal intervention during November 2023 following the system crash of the stock inventory management system at the provincial medicines depot. Since then, changes have been made in Provincial Pharmaceutical Management with the aim to improve Pharmaceutical Service Delivery and overall medicine availability.

Processes related to procurement of medicines have been upgraded and improved to ensure that there is an increase in meeting the growing demand in public healthcare in the province.

Current situation on medicine availability The medicine availability in pharmacies in the North West Province is currently monitored through manual processes from product data reports as extracted from stock inventory management systems. As things stands, the average total medicine availability in 31 public sector pharmacies in the Province is at 85.12% against a target of 80% medicine availability. This shows that medicine availability in the province is improving since the intervention plan to address the challenges identified in 2023 started to be implemented.

Alleged unavailability of cancer medication Cancer medication is procured through the National Contract for Supply and Delivery of Oncology and Immunological Agents to the Department of Health. Over the past few months the department has experienced challenges in terms of inconsistent supply of a limited number of cancer medication. The contracted suppliers for medication that is used as treatment of choice for breast cancer have reported supply constraints to National Department of Health (NDoH) and the Chief Director for Sector Wide Procurement has released a circular to all health departments explaining how treatment should be adjusted and which alternatives should be used for the treatment of breast cancer. The current situation is such that the National Department of Health has embarked on a process to obtain quotations for alternative suppliers and the matter is receiving urgent attention. Currently, patients are getting Tamoxifen as the third alternative for management of breast cancer. The challenge is that due to the side effects this item is not preferred by patients. Currently we have enough stock of Tamoxifen in our pharmacy. All changes to patient medication are made in consultation with specialists and in the best interest of patient outcome.

Factors contributing to medicine supply chain challenges South Africa is following a centralized procurement where National Contracts are awarded for procurement of medicines as contained in Standard Treatment Guidelines and included in the Essential Medicines List. The North West Province is not immune to the delays in shipping of medicines from different countries as well as production problems that can cause delays in timeous delivery of medicines to service delivery points.

From time to time, the department encounters increased demand or sudden increase in demand for certain medicines which can lead to temporary shortages. Furthermore, the regulatory delays where manufacturers have to apply for licensing of newly registered medicines can cause a slowdown in production and distribution. There are also financial challenges where companies announce discontinuation of manufacturing of medicines and this can lead to fewer available options.

These challenges are also compounded by trade restrictions, conflicts and international policy changes that can disrupt medicine supply processes. In some instances, protest actions can negatively impact on distribution of medicines where roads are closed and routes are not accessible which causes a delay in delivery of medicines to service delivery points.

Interventions from North West Department of Health to address medicine supply chain challenges Working closely with Sector Wide Procurement and Affordable Medicines Directorate at National Level to escalate medicine supply chain challenges and seek solutions to challenges. The Department is implementing a number of interventions including:

• Implementation of a stock out escalation protocol as an early warning sign to seek alternative treatment to ensure continuity of care.

• Continuous contracted supplier engagements to inform suppliers of challenges and/or increased needs to meet needs in terms of patient care.

• Improved communication to clinicians to communicate medicine stock out challenges and alternative options available to achieve same therapeutic outcomes.

• Enrolment of patients on the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution Program where a contracted service provider supplies medicines to chronic stable patients.

• Raise public awareness through patient education sessions, adherence clubs and radio interviews.

• Pharmacy managers meeting will be conducted weekly from 05 March 2025 going forward to ensure that challenges are communicated effectively and corrective measures are implemented without delay.

North West Health MEC Sello Lehari said that he is confident of that his department is making positive progress towards adequate medicine availability in the province and that the challenges are being addressed. “I have studied reports on the status of pharmaceutical services and medicine availability. Different stakeholders in and outside the province continue to work with the department to deal with challenges and other factors within and outside of our control”, said MEC Lehari.

-ENDS-

Enquiries and interviews

Mr Tshegofatso Mothibedi Departmental Spokesperson Cell: 0735035045

For any additional information: Mr Tebogo Lekgethwane Director: Media & Communications @ 0674227763 or tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za

Issued by North West Department of Health

ENDS.

The North West Health MEC Sello Lehari today joins the global community in observing World Birth Defects Day. This is an annual global event dedicated to raising awareness about birth defects and advocating for the prevention, research, treatment and support services. The 2025 World Birth Defects Day is observed under the theme "Every Journey Matters". This theme emphasises that birth defects impact individuals, families, and communities, highlighting the importance of recognising and supporting every person's unique journey. Globally, the contribution of birth defects to the cause of death among under-5 children is unfortunately increasing and those who survive serious birth defects may be affected by profound, lifelong disability. Also known as congenital disorders, birth defects include most rare diseases. While some birth defects are visible at birth such as cleft lip, other internal malformations, including many congenital heart defects (CHD) and metabolic disorders may not be obvious at birth. Still others may only manifest later in life, such as Huntington’s disease. Birth defects can be mild or serious and affect almost any part of the body. The use of certain medicines, including both prescribed and over the counter medications as well as recreational drugs, alcohol use and smoking during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of birth defects. Exposure to these should be avoided three months before pregnancy, during pregnancy and after birth while breast feeding. What can be done to prevent birth defects? • Take 5mg of folic acid daily before and during pregnancy. • Consult with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medications during pregnancy. • Attend prenatal care appointments. • Stay up-to-date on all vaccines. • Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking other drugs. “Ongoing research is critical to further understand the congenital anomalies, advancing preventative strategies, directing policy and improving care and support services. Therefore we urge all pregnant women to take full advantage of all pre-natal care services offered by our primary healthcare facility to assist them to mitigate against some of the cases of birth defects” said MEC Sello Lehari



-ENDS- Enquiries: Tshegofatso Mothibedi Departmental Spokesperson 073 503 5045/ 060 567 3413 For additional information: Mr. Tebogo Lekgethwane Director: Media and Communication 0674227763 tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za

Stilfotein: The Department of Health in the North West, wishes to refutes unfounded claims that, provincial Forensic Pathology Services Facilities are unable to cope with the increasing number of illegal miners’ corpses, extracted underground in Stilfotein on the ongoing national rescue operation.

The Department’s plan of readiness has been approved and shared by MEC Sello Lehari, during his briefing session yesterday at Stillfotein.

The Department has identified several forensic pathology services facilities to deal with the expected, sizeable number of corpses as the operation is ongoing.

As of this morning , fifty-one (51) bodies have been retrieved underground in the last three days of the recue operation.

All corpses have been handed over to the Department ’s forensic facilities.

We have also beefed up our medical personnel, by contracting more nurses, radiographers, doctors and other medical personnel.

The department is also assiting with identification processes through DNA and other medical means, including postmortems to determine whether these deaths were as a results of hunger as alleged, illness or injuries.

The Department cautions members of the public and media against disinformation and misinformation peddled by some groups at Stilfotein aimed at discrediting all efforts and strides made by the department so far.

This is a breakdown of spaces in our forensic facilities:

Bodies retrieved on Monday: 13 Jan 2025= 36

Bodies retrieved on Tuesday 14 Jan 2025 = 51

Total bodies retrieved by yesterday = 87

Space in the province at Forensic Pathology Services Dr KK district = 70 spaces

Bojanala District = 240 spaces



There is enough space in the province to store the bodies for now.

On the issue of Gauteng Forensic vans

The province has 20 vehicles that can carry 4 bodies each.

Due to the high number of bodies in a short space; Gauteng Forensic Pathology Services has been asked to assist with vehicles to deliver the deceased to North West Forensic Pathology Services mortuaries. All bodies remain in the North West.



Media Enquiries

Keletso Ratlhagane -Media Relations Ksratlhagane@nwpg.gov.za 0609801091

Tshegofatso Mothibedi -Spokesperson 073 503 5045/ 060 567 3413 END.