Tebellong Hospital Suspends Services Indefinitely Due to Financial Crisis

Tebellong Hospital in Qacha’s Nek has announced a suspension of all hospital services until further notice, citing severe financial constraints. The news was confirmed through a public notice issued on 14 May 2025, which informed the public that the hospital would no longer be providing patient care due to internal challenges.

The disruption stems from a delay in salary payments for hospital staff, prompting an urgent response from employees who have not been paid since the end of April. The hospital’s Acting Administrator, Mr. Taoana Phaloane, confirmed that a formal letter was submitted by staff to the management, stating: “We are urgently stopping the hospital services with immediate effect because of the delay of our salaries commenced April Month end.”

The decision to halt services has left the surrounding community deeply concerned, especially in an area where Tebellong Hospital serves as a vital healthcare provider for rural and underserved populations. Patients who rely on the facility for essential medical services, including emergency care, maternity, and chronic disease management, now face uncertainty over where to seek treatment.

An employee of the hospital, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the collective sentiment among staff: “No pay, no work.” The source explained that despite repeated requests for clarity and intervention, there has been no resolution from the relevant authorities, leaving employees unable to continue working under the current conditions.

The situation highlights a growing concern over financial sustainability and workforce support in the public health sector. Health professionals have long warned that inconsistent pay and limited resources not only affect staff morale but also put patient safety and service delivery at risk.

As of now, no official statement has been issued by the Ministry of Health regarding when salary payments will be made or when hospital operations are expected to resume. Community leaders and residents are calling on the government to urgently address the crisis to prevent further disruption and ensure access to critical healthcare.

With Tebellong Hospital out of operation, the need for swift and sustainable solutions has never been more urgent. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the essential role that financial stability plays in maintaining effective and accessible healthcare services in Lesotho.