By KEDIBONE MOALETSI
26 January 2026- The North West Department of Health said it has noted allegations circulating on social media made by a member of the GATVOL Lobby Group concerning Moses Kotane District Hospital. Today, the North West Health MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, visited the facility to meet with hospital management, members of NEHAWU, as well as representatives from GATVOL Lobby Group in a bid to probe all allegations raised against the hospital.
Lehari further said the hospital was constructed at a time when traditional boiler systems were being phased out nationally due to their high operational costs, inefficiency, energy consumption, and environmental impact and maintenance challenges. He added that in line with national directives on eco-friendly and modern health technology, the hospital relies on a heat pump system for the provision of hot water.
“The heat pump system has experienced intermittent malfunctions and due to its complexity, requires specialised service providers, including water treatment and reticulation expertise.
“The Provincial Infrastructure Delivery and Technical Services (IDTS), has commissioned consultants to conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop a bill of quantities to enable the tender process,” said Lehari.
He said this intervention is anticipated to be implemented in the 2026/27 financial year. Lehari said in the interim, the hospital has procured hydroboils and urns for all wards as a temporary measure to ensure continuity of service.
“The hospital remains committed to upholding patient dignity and quality of care by procuring consumables and supplies on a monthly and quarterly basis. In instances where there are delays in deliveries, the hospital collaborates with neighbouring health facilities to ensure that patients’ basic needs are met.
“The hospital continues to provide care in line with the Batho Pele Principles, the Patient Rights Charter, and the Service Charter,” he said.
Lehari said in 2025, Moses Kotane District Hospital was visited by two National Portfolio Committees, both of which expressed satisfaction with the hospital’s cleanliness and overall service standards. He said in addition, during the Tshela ka Itekanelo campaign activities held on 17 December 2025, the Bakgatlha Tribal Authority publicly expressed satisfaction with the services rendered by the hospital.
“The management remains open to constructive feedback and encourages members of the community to report specific service gaps to allow for prompt corrective action.
“The North West Department of Health operates within a highly regulated environment where the handling, storage, and disposal of human tissue are strictly governed by the National Health Act, the Human Tissue Act, and the National Environmental Management: Waste Act,” said Lehari.
He said these legislations clearly prescribe the classification, handling, storage and disposal of healthcare risk waste. Lehari said the department has appointed a licensed service provider for healthcare risk waste management and the hospital participates fully in this contract, while continuously monitoring compliance.
“The department remains committed to providing safe, dignified and quality healthcare services to all communities it serves. We have appointed an investigative team to probe all allegations made against the hospital.
“The team is expected to commence with the investigation on 27 January 2026, and table a preliminary report to the acting Superintendent General at the end of February 2026,” he said.
The Guardian 