The Office of the Ombudsman unveiled crucial information about its approach to handling reports concerning the inspection of hospitals, military cells and correctional institutions.

The Ombudsman, Adv. Tlotliso Polaki provided insights into the findings and the procedures followed.

Adv. Polaki emphasized the significance of these inspections in ensuring the well-being and rights of individuals in these facilities.

“Our office plays a vital role in safeguarding the rights and welfare of people within these institutions. We aim to hold them accountable and make sure they operate with transparency and fairness,” she said.

She mentioned that the Ombudsman’s Office is an independent entity that has a structured process for addressing complaints and conducting inspections.

Among the facilities that were inspected, there are a few which caught their attention and they include; the Mohlomi Mental Hospital, Berea Correctional Services, the Maseru Female Prison as well as the Juvenile Training Centre, saying living conditions at these facilities compromise basic human rights.

When outlining the report’s findings, the Ombudsman noted that finances are the main cause of the malfunction of healthcare facilities because most of the hospitals run out of medications and this causes Basotho not to have a quality healthcare service and this violates their human rights.

She said the malfunctioning of hospitals also contributes to poor service delivery, noting that the Mohlomi Mental Hospital is in the worst situation as the hospital is over-congested with 100 percent as the hospital intake capacity is 35 but currently there are 74 patients.

She commented that overcrowding in this facility poses health risks as the facility is faced with the challenge of lice infestation which is contagious amongst the patients.

Adv. Polaki added that though the inspection spotted challenges in different correctional facilities in the country, the Berea correctional facility appeared to be the most challenged in terms of over-congestion and lack of infrastructure, saying these pose health and security risks.

She therefore mentioned that the office recommendations on some of the findings include the complete demolition of the prison structures such as that of Quthing, Qacha’s Nek, Berea, Maseru Female Prison as well as the Juvenile Training Centre

Adv. Polaki remarked that the office is dedicated to improving the conditions and treatment of individuals within these institutions.

“Our focus is on ensuring that everyone’s rights are respected and that any violations are rectified promptly.”

The Ombudsman’s office plays a pivotal role in overseeing these critical sectors, hence their commitment to transparency and fairness underscores the importance of their work in promoting accountability and justice.

Individuals with concerns or complaints about hospitals, military cells, and correctional institutions are encouraged to contact the Ombudsman’s office, knowing that their issues will be taken seriously and addressed systematically and impartially.

By Staff Reporter: Noliwe Velaphe