The Paarl Hospital Outpatient Department (OPD) has officially reopened after a fire earlier this year caused extensive damage to the facility.

The Western Cape Government says it spent R67-million to restore the facility.

Health and Wellness Minister Mireille Wenger says despite the fire, Paarl Hospital remained operational, with only minor disruptions to outpatient services, ensuring patients continued to receive care.

“From the fire and emergency services who responded that day, to the healthcare workers who safely evacuated patients and continued delivering care, everyone pulled together when it mattered most. We expected restoration efforts to take about 12 months, but we managed to complete it in six months, half of the expected timeframe.”

Also read: Fast Tracked Repairs Bring Paarl Hospital Closer To Full Reopening

Wenger says the reopening demonstrates what can be done when a community works together.

“The reopening belongs to every person who contributed to the recovery. Paarl showed its greatness in a moment of crisis, and this restored facility is a lasting reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together.”