PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT SLAMS PERSISTENT INFRASTRUCTURE DELAYS AND MEDICATION SHORTAGES AT GELUKSPAN HOSPITAL

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development has expressed serious dissatisfaction over persistent infrastructure delays, shortages of essential medication and inadequate maintenance at Gelukspan Hospital, warning that these challenges continue to undermine healthcare delivery. The Committee, led by Chairperson Hon. Karabo Tebogo Magagane, accompanied by Hon. Jeanette Komane and Hon. Lerato Tsholo, conducted an oversight visit to the hospital on Wednesday, 07 October 2026, to assess service delivery and progress in addressing previously identified challenges.

During the visit, the Committee questioned the Department of Health over prolonged delays in infrastructure projects, particularly repairs to the hospital’s boiler and steam distribution network. Departmental officials acknowledged poor contractor performance and indicated that completion under the existing arrangements was unlikely. The Committee expressed concern that the delays were disrupting essential hospital services, including theatre operations, resulting in patients being referred to other healthcare facilities. Members demanded greater accountability and decisive intervention to address contractor-related challenges.

Of particular concern were shortages of essential medication, including iron supplements for pregnant women and medication for diabetic patients. Hospital pharmacy officials attributed the shortages to supply challenges and indicated that the facility was relying on assistance from neighbouring hospitals and alternative procurement arrangements.
The Committee further expressed dissatisfaction over non-functional CCTV cameras, reportedly out of operation for approximately two years, and questioned the absence of adequate maintenance arrangements. Members requested a detailed report on the matter by Friday, 09 October 2026. Persistent roof leaks, damaged ceilings and deteriorating pharmaceutical storage areas also drew criticism, particularly as these challenges had been raised during previous oversight visits without satisfactory resolution.

Members additionally sought progress reports on outstanding linen requirements, wall-mounted oxygen infrastructure and the implementation of digital patient registration systems. The Committee emphasised that repeated identification of the same challenges without meaningful corrective action was unacceptable and reflected weaknesses in institutional management, maintenance planning and accountability. The Committee called on the Department to urgently address medication shortages, strengthen infrastructure project management, restore essential services and ensure that commitments made during oversight engagements translate into tangible improvement.

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