By Nkhensani Chauke
The DA in Gauteng has raised concerns about severe shortages of medical supplies at the Thelle Mogoerane Hospital in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni.
The party’s Gauteng shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom attributed these to mismanagement and possible corrupt purchasing practices within the hospital’s supply chain.
In a media statement issued on Monday, Bloom said that these issues have depleted the hospital’s budget, directly impacting patient care.
“Patients at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital are suffering due to a critical shortage of medical supplies, caused by mismanagement and potentially corrupt purchasing decisions,” Bloom said in a media statement.
Earlier in June, the hospital’s Internal Control Directorate submitted a report to CEO Mike Malaka, revealing serious irregularities in the hospital’s Supply Chain Management processes.
“These irregularities have undermined fair and competitive procurement,” the report noted.
The report cited issues such as a lack of market research, failure to rotate suppliers, inconsistent price approvals, unauthorized signatures on documents, and failure to obtain the required three quotations.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, said that the lack of market analysis and inflated medical prices have drained the hospital’s budget, negatively affecting patient care.
“The shortage of critical medical supplies due to budget depletion and lack of oversight in SCM processes have compromised patient care,” she said.
Nkomo-Ralehoko confirmed that the hospital is awaiting a final signed report to begin disciplinary actions.
Bloom said that despite these damning findings, no disciplinary action has been taken, as the hospital is still awaiting a final signed report to act on the recommendations.
“I suspect millions of rand have been misused or stolen, like the scandal at Tembisa Hospital,” said Bloom.
“Immediate management changes are needed at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital. The DA calls for the appointment of a new CEO to enforce proper oversight, implement audit recommendations, and ensure cost-effective procurement that prioritizes patient care.”
Earlier this month, Gauteng Department of Health halted the procurement of new equipment with immediate effect, worsening conditions in already resource-strapped state hospitals facing shortages across equipment and staff.
A circular issued by Health Department Head Lesiba Malotana to all hospital CEOs stated that “overspending on machinery and equipment due to accrual payments through the end of August 2024 and other commitments” had caused the freeze on new purchases.
The department had previously confirmed that it would prioritize filling critical posts despite budget constraints.
However, Bloom said that hospital CEOs have since informed doctors that no new hiring would take place, and even advertised positions would remain unfilled due to a R1.5 billion shortfall “caused by chronic mismanagement and corruption.”
As of July 31, Gauteng had vacancy rates of 8.1% for medical doctors, 7.9% for nurses, and 5% for senior management.
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