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15 February 2021 | Story Dr Cindé Greyling | Photo Charl Devenish
Quick and easy access to several health-care services under one roof. From the left, are Sister Sarien de Necker, Dr Arina Meyer, Dr Gerhard Jansen, Dr Elna Kleyn, and Sister Florence Maleho.


The University of the Free State Health Practice has been serving the UFS community for decades. Conveniently located on our Bloemfontein Campus, it offers quick and easy access to several health-care services under one roof. There is no need to struggle with your health or postpone check-ups – simply visit our UFS Health Practice for a pleasant experience. Our clientele ranges from UFS top management to staff/students with limited resources.

Several services and payment options

Over and above the general practitioner services, the physicians specialise in family health, travel medicine, and sport and exercise medicine. The practice also performs minor surgeries, treat non-sports related injuries, provide female health (PAP smears, contraception, etc.), and all blood tests. In addition, travellers can obtain vaccinations, and insurance policy examinations are also done. You can also get primary health care, physiotherapy, and biokinetic rehabilitation as part of the range of medical services offered at the UFS Health Practice. 

An appointment system limits the waiting time and walk-in emergencies are dealt with as needed. While the practice claims from medicals aids, UFS staff members have the option to deduct visiting costs from their salaries should their benefits be depleted. Non-medical aid patients can settle accounts by cash, card, or EFT. Students can also use their student accounts for doctor and physiotherapy visits within a capped amount. 

Convenient health care

The UFS Health Practice is open from Monday to Friday from 08:00 until 16:30, and mostly keep to its 15-minute consultation schedule, unless an emergency arises. Due to the unique setup, it can accommodate staff and student schedules, and the broader community is also welcome to make use of its services.

Dr Gerhard Jansen says quite a few staff members and their families are already visiting the practice, and they would love for more UFS employees to pay them a visit. “We are dedicated to our patients’ care and do regular follow-up calls to check on our patients’ health. When needed, we refer our patients for specialist care.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please:  
call: 051 401 2603/2530

News Archive

Louzanne Coetzee breaks 16-year-old world record
2016-03-24

Description: Louzanne Coetzee kampioen Tags: Louzanne Coetzee kampioen

Louzanne Coetzee (left) running the 5 000 m at the Nedbank National Championships at the Free State Athletics stadium with her guide, Khotatso Mokone (right)
Photo: Celeste Klopper Photography

Whether it’s the 5 000 m or the 1 500 m, Louzanne Coetzee is breaking records in all her races. Fans of the University of the Free State (UFS) student were elated at her triumph with the 5 000 m T11 world record at the Nedbank National Championships for the Physically Disabled on Wednesday 23 March 2016.

The record, which has stood for 16 years, was shattered by Coetzee’s stellar 19:17.06 performance. Sigita Markeviciene’s long-standing mark of 20:05.81, set at the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, was bettered by 48.75 seconds when Coetzee and her guide, Khotatso Mokone, sprinted hand in hand past the finish line. 

Coetzee’s coach is as elated as the world-class athlete’s fans over her officially becoming the first totally blind female to clock sub-20 minute in the 5 000 m. "I am proud and grateful. She earned it through and through. She worked hard for this,” said Rufus Botha.

The experience was a surreal one for Coetzee. “It was unreal but it is exciting to be the fastest in Africa and the world. I could not have done it without the support system that I have,” she said.

"I have seldom met a student with the character and humanity of Louzanne Coetzee; she represents the best of campus and country, and is a stunning example of what we canal  achieve despite the great challenges of the present," said Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.

New African record holder

Two days before breaking the 5 000 m world record, Coetzee set a new African record in the 1 500 m. She lowered the mark from 5:27:21 to 5:18:44, which placed her at the number nine spot in the world.

On Friday 18 March 2016 Coetzee had broken her own South African record when she ran 5 000 m in less than 20 minutes at the Free State Championships. However, the race is not an official (International Paralympic Committee) meeting, and hence remains unofficial.

What’s next?


The gold medallist is currently preparing for the Athletics Grand Prix to be held in Switzerland in May for which she is raising funds. If she is selected by SASCOC (South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee), her next stop is the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, which is just six months away.

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