BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State Department of Health has announced a two-year extension of its longstanding Public Private Partnership. This partnership is with Community Hospital Management (CHM). It is managed by Netcare. The partnership was originally established in 2002. It now extends until 30 November 2027. This ensures ongoing access to quality healthcare services for Free State residents.
The partnership includes the Universitas Private Hospital and Pelonomi Private Hospital. The hospitals employ hundreds of healthcare professionals and support staff. They deliver critical specialised services, such as kidney transplants, paediatric oncology, and advanced diagnostics.
The provincial MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, highlighted the partnership’s transformative effect: “Over 23 years, this collaboration has greatly increased access to specialised healthcare services in the Free State. We have improved our infrastructure, secured dependable clinical capacity, and made sure our residents no longer need to travel to larger cities for specialised care.
“We have witnessed ongoing improvements in theatre services, strengthened high-care and intensive care capacity and expanded specialist outpatient clinics in vital areas.”
The partnership has delivered measurable improvements across multiple service areas. Dr Erich Bock, managing director of Netcare’s Hospital Division, points to some of these achievements: “Emergency and trauma capabilities at Pelonomi have been enhanced, reducing response times and the need for patient transfers.”
He said elective surgery capacity has expanded through better-coordinated theatre access. “Experienced specialists practice at our hospital, supported by skilled nursing and support teams to deliver comprehensive medical and surgical care, including general surgery, gynaecology, and paediatrics.”
Bock noted that Universitas remains the only accredited facility in the Free State performing kidney transplants. It also offers private paediatric oncology services. Additionally, it provides manometry services, which are specialised medical diagnostic procedures that measure pressure within various organs and body systems.
Pelonomi provides comprehensive medical and surgical services through two theatres. It also has radiology and pathology departments. There is a National Renal Care dialysis unit. Additionally, there is a dedicated 10-bed psychiatric unit. In addition, both hospitals operate retail pharmacies serving the broader community.
“Through our collaboration with the department and Netcare, we have maintained and expanded critical healthcare services while creating sustainable job opportunities across both facilities,” said Joe Madungandaba, chairman of the CHM.
“We have invested heavily in training and upskilling programmes, contributing meaningfully to the provincial economy
“This is much more than a business arrangement; it is a blueprint for how strategic partnerships can transform healthcare delivery and create lasting value for communities.”
The partnership’s evolution reflects changing healthcare needs. “What began as a response to infrastructure shortages has evolved into a comprehensive healthcare delivery model,” explained head of department Ernest Mohlahlo. “Today, our partnership emphasises affordability, value for money, stronger governance, integrated workforce planning and alignment with provincial health priorities. We have adapted to address changing healthcare needs, including chronic disease, trauma care, and the requirements of an ageing population.”
A key element of the partnership’s success has been the structured implementation of Remunerative Work Outside Public Service. This approach enables public-sector doctors to undertake additional remunerated work. They can do this while maintaining their public posts.
This arrangement has proven essential in attracting and retaining experienced specialists, ensuring service continuity, and reducing talent migration to metropolitan areas.
The renewed agreement introduces enhanced initiatives. These include expanded specialist outpatient clinics and structured theatre scheduling for increased surgical throughput. It also features joint workforce development programmes. There is a greater focus on chronic disease management and rehabilitation services.
“This partnership has proven that when public and private sectors unite with a shared vision, we can achieve remarkable outcomes. The renewed agreement is not just an extension – it is an evolution that addresses our people’s changing healthcare needs in meaningful ways while maintaining financial sustainability.
“This model demonstrates that quality healthcare does not have to be a privilege reserved for those in major cities. It can be delivered right here, in the communities where our people live and work. That is the legacy of this partnership, and the promise we are extending for another two years,” Mahlatsi concludes.
You must be logged in to post a comment.