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The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng commends the reports by the Health Ombud and the Office of Health Standards Compliance which identify the failings of the Helen Joseph Hospital, but a real solution requires a radical overhaul of the Gauteng Health Department.

Most of the 37 Gauteng public hospitals have similar problems with staff shortages, poor management, and crumbling infrastructure.

The reports make good recommendations for Helen Joseph Hospital, but they are unlikely to be implemented in full.

Two years ago, the Health Ombud issued a scathing report on the Rahima Moosa Hospital, but only 22 out of 44 recommendations have been completed. An independent forensic auditing firm was supposed to be appointed within two months to probe the hospital’s management, but this has still not been done.

Currently, there is a hiring freeze on hospital appointments as the department faces a budget deficit of more than R7.3 billion.

This is why 30% of nursing posts are vacant at Helen Joseph Hospital, and the contracts of five doctors in the overburdened casualty department will terminate at the end of this month.

The DA Gauteng will continue to push Premier Panyaza Lesufi to fire Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and Head of Department Lesiba Malotana, who should be replaced with competent people to provide quality health care in Gauteng.

Issued by Jack Bloom MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC