The Northern Cape Health Department has announced plans to upgrade Kuruman Hospital in the current financial year following widespread complaints about deteriorating conditions at the facility.
Patients and staff have long raised concerns about severe shortages of beds, understaffing, and poor sanitation, with some patients forced to sleep on the floor. A recent viral video showing these conditions has reignited public anger, but locals say the problems are not new.
A Hospital in Crisis
Kuruman Hospital serves over 270,000 people in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, yet patients report neglect and inadequate care. In 2023, reports emerged of pregnant women sleeping on floors and bathing in cold water. The hospital also faces frequent staff shortages, with doctors reportedly leaving due to unpaid overtime and lack of medical supplies.
One grieving widow, whose husband died at the hospital two weeks ago after being transferred from Robert Subukwe Hospital in Kimberley, believes his death could have been prevented.
“My experience with that hospital is that they don’t care about patients. The treatment is not good at all. If it was, my husband would still be alive,” she said.
Community Frustration Grows
Despite a recent meeting between hospital management and health officials, patients say little has improved.
“People come here and end up sleeping on the floor. Patients are not receiving the care they deserve. The hospital is very dirty—I’m not pleased at all,” said one frustrated community member.
Another added, “We are tired of their lies. People are suffering in Kuruman. People are dying. Doctors are leaving because they can’t work without proper supplies or pay.”
Department Responds
The provincial health department acknowledged the challenges, citing a rapidly growing population due to mining activity as a key factor straining resources.
“Plans were already underway to upgrade Kuruman Hospital’s accident and emergency unit this financial year,” a spokesperson said. “The facility is now inadequate due to urbanization and increasing demand.”
The department, which receives the largest share of the provincial budget, has allocated R6.4 million for operational expenses in 2024/2025. Officials say they are committed to addressing staffing shortages, medical equipment maintenance, and cleanliness.
Will Change Come Soon?
While the department promises improvements, residents remain skeptical, demanding urgent action rather than promises. For now, the people of Kuruman continue to rely on an overburdened hospital, hoping that this planned upgrade will finally bring the change they desperately need.