By Alicia Mmashakana
The Gauteng Department of Health has reassured the public that Weskoppies Hospital is now fully operational, ensuring uninterrupted patient care while reconnecting the facility to the electricity supply.
This comes after the City of Tshwane’s decision on Monday to disconnect electricity to the hospital.
The department has also confirmed that it was already in the process of settling the R1.2 million owed for March and April electricity consumption when the municipality implemented credit control measures.
The City of Tshwane disconnected the electricity due to outstanding debts exceeding R1 million, as part of its Ya Tima campaign targeting non-paying customers.
In response, Gauteng Health has committed to paying the outstanding amount, leading to the hospital’s reconnection, as stated by Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya.
The move has sparked significant backlash, with critics condemning it as inhumane, reckless, and endangering patient safety.
Gauteng Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said power supply was restored following an agreement with the City of Tshwane.
“GDoH can confirm that the processing of the R1.2 million owed to the City of Tshwane for March and April electricity consumption was already underway at the time the municipality effected credit control measures,” Modiba.
“The delay in payment is attributed to the transition to the new financial year. The hospital normally makes additional payments to ensure continuous electricity supply, however, this time around it could not do so.”
“The owed amount is currently being processed for payment. Already, by Monday, the GDoH paid R3.8 million to the City of Tshwane in relation to other facilities. The money was already scheduled for payment for today (Tuesday) as part of the payment run to various service providers.”
Modiba added that no patient care was compromised when the power was cut.
“We reiterate that patient care was never compromised during the hours in which the facility had to rely on its backup system of five generators and a solar system,” he said.
Tshwane Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya said the City has a duty to apply its credit control measures fairly and consistently, including to government departments.
“This was not a decision taken lightly. We recognise the vital role hospitals play and deeply respect healthcare professionals and the duty of care owed to our most vulnerable citizens,” said Moya.
“However, the City must enforce its credit control policies uniformly across all customers, including government institutions.”
She assured residents that Weskoppies Hospital’s backup power systems remained fully functional during the disconnection and that patient care was not compromised.
Government departments currently owe the City over R1.6 billion for services rendered.
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