Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital has temporarily suspended emergency and outpatient services after two separate fires disrupted operations in key areas of the facility.
Deputy Health Minister Dr. Joe Phaahla has urged members of the public to seek emergency medical assistance at nearby hospitals. This comes after a second fire broke out in the hospital’s outpatient department, just days after an earlier blaze affected the Accident and Emergency Unit.
During a visit to assess the damage, Phaahla confirmed that the fires occurred in different parts of the hospital and appeared unrelated. He noted that the outpatient department and the medical records storage area—where the most recent fire took place—were already cordoned off and had no power supply at the time.
A forensic investigation is underway to determine the cause of the second fire, which also resulted in the loss of an unspecified number of patient records.
Professor Fined After Starving Lions Found on Free State Property
Despite the disruption, essential services such as access to medication are still being provided. The hospital’s pharmacy team is working to ensure discharged patients continue to receive their prescriptions.
Ambulance services are currently being redirected to nearby hospitals, and patients with non-urgent conditions are advised to visit local clinics or community health centers. Those returning for chronic condition follow-ups will still be assisted.
Visiting hours for admitted patients remain between 2 pm and 4 pm, with entry through Gate 4.
Authorities continue to investigate both incidents, while reiterating that there is currently no evidence linking the two fires.