The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health will increase its physical presence in hospitals, community health centres and clinics – especially those experiencing persistent challenges as it attempts to revitalise healthcare services in the province.
KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane embarked on an oversight visit to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital on Friday, accompanied by head of department, Penny Msimango, and her senior management team.
“We have taken a decision that we will be spending a lot of time in our facilities. Where there are challenges, and they are not being resolved, we will set up shop there until they are resolved. Our focus this year is enhanced service delivery and improving the service that we render to the public. When people arrive at our facilities, they must receive an acceptable level of care,” Simelane said.
She said weak management remains a factor in some facilities, despite many challenges stemming from system pressures like resource constraints and staff shortages.
“In most cases, our nurses and doctors are working extremely hard and doing their jobs well. When we see long waiting times or poor organisation, it is often a management issue. That is why we need to come and see for ourselves, so we can identify bottlenecks and clear them, whether those are in patient administration, staffing patterns, or workflow processes,” Simelane said.
She highlighted that long waiting times in high-volume sections, particularly patient registration and card areas, are receiving focused attention. She pointed out that these delays are frequently caused by staff shortages and inefficient systems, rather than solely poor performance.
“Once we see the reality on the ground, we are able to intervene more effectively… whether that means reallocating resources, strengthening management support, or adjusting processes to improve patient flow,” Simelane said.
She warned that repeated non-performance by managers will not be accepted.
“You cannot have two bulls in one kraal. If management is not doing its work, we will intervene… And those who are found to be part of the problem will have to vacate their posts. Our people deserve better,” Simelane said.
However, she also praised the dedication and compassion of many healthcare workers.
“There are many healthcare workers who love their work and who treat our patients with dignity and care. Unfortunately, a few bad apples can undermine the reputation of the entire system. We will deal with that firmly, while supporting and protecting those who are doing the right thing,” Simelane said.
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital serves approximately two million people.
The visit sought to assess operational challenges, engage staff, and identify interventions to improve efficiency, accountability, and care quality.
Simelane added that the visit is part of a continuous, province-wide programme to enhance governance, rebuild public trust, and ensure timely, respectful, quality healthcare for KZN residents.
DA KZN health spokesperson Dr Imran Keeka welcomed the visit, saying hospital complaints include excessive waiting times, rude staff, medicine stock challenges and the infrastructure’s deteriorating state.
“Having visited the facility on several occasions, most recently a few months ago, there has been some movement in the right direction, albeit frustratingly slow,” Keeka said.
“This visit and the stated commitment to support the hospital can therefore be seen as both proactive and long overdue. In simple terms: it was about time.”
Keeka highlighted that the high turnover of CEOs at the facility has not contributed to stable, effective management.
He also urged patients and staff to report complaints at the facility. This improves accountability and alerts management to problems.
