With just a few months of operation under its belt, the newly constructed Maseru District Hospital is already facing challenges in service delivery, particularly for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Many patients have expressed dissatisfaction, with some even making repeated visits in the same week to access medical services.
During a tour of the hospital, the Agency observed that the pace of service delivery was alarmingly slow, with only three patients attended to in the span of an hour. This has raised concerns about the hospital’s capacity to manage its workload effectively, especially for individuals requiring timely care.
In an interview on Thursday, Mrs. ‘Marethabile Majelo, a diabetic patient, shared her frustration with the slow service delivery. “This delay is not only inconvenient for those of us who need to adjust our work schedules but also poses a serious health risk. People with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension cannot afford to wait this long for medical attention,” she stated.
Mrs. Majelo highlighted the importance of quick and efficient service for patients managing life-threatening conditions, emphasizing that delayed care could lead to complications. “Some of us rely heavily on these services for medication and advice, and the delays are affecting our health and daily lives,” she added.
Hospital staff, when approached for comment, attributed the delays to a combination of high patient volumes and limited personnel. One staff member, speaking anonymously, mentioned that while the new hospital offers improved infrastructure, the workforce remains overstretched, especially in specialized areas such as diabetes and hypertension care.
“We are still adjusting to the demands of the new facility, and there’s a pressing need for more medical personnel to match the number of patients seeking help. Without that, it becomes challenging to deliver efficient services,” the staff member explained.
Patients are urging the hospital administration and the Ministry of Health to address these challenges as a matter of urgency. Suggestions from those interviewed included hiring additional healthcare professionals, streamlining patient registration processes, and implementing better time management strategies to minimize waiting times.
As Maseru District Hospital was envisioned to ease the pressure on other healthcare facilities and improve access to quality care, these teething problems highlight the need for immediate intervention. For patients like Mrs. Majelo and many others, a quicker resolution could mean the difference between manageable health conditions and life-threatening complications.
The Ministry of Health has yet to comment on the concerns raised, but many are hopeful that swift action will be taken to ensure the hospital fulfills its mission of providing efficient and accessible healthcare to all.
