Image Source: The Citizen
Local – The Portfolio Committee on Health and Wellness convened a special meeting to assess the most pressing challenges facing the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH).
With healthcare services under increasing strain, the Committee focused on key issues such as the impact of international policy changes on HIV/AIDS treatment, delays in infrastructure projects, the financial burden of medico-legal claims, and the ongoing shortage of healthcare personnel.
The meeting provided a platform to review the department’s strategies for addressing these challenges, ensuring that the healthcare system remains functional and responsive to the needs of Gauteng residents.
Impact of the US Executive Order on HIV/AIDS Response
One of the key concerns discussed was the potential impact of the recent United States Executive Order on South Africa’s response to HIV/AIDS. The policy shift has raised uncertainties about future funding and support for critical treatment programmes, threatening the stability of healthcare services for affected patients.
In response, the GDoH is developing a new service delivery model to prevent disruptions in care. This includes redirecting patients from affected sites to public healthcare facilities and ensuring continued access to life-saving treatment.
“The Committee welcomes the department’s proactive measures, particularly the redirection of patients from affected sites to public healthcare facilities to maintain uninterrupted access to treatment.”
Healthcare Personnel Shortages
Moreover, the ongoing shortage of healthcare personnel remains a critical issue, with understaffing placing immense strain on hospitals and clinics. Cost-containment measures have prevented the department from filling essential vacancies despite approving a recruitment plan for the 2024/25 financial year.
The GDoH has recruited 1,120 interns from township, informal settlement, and hostel (TISH) communities to support healthcare facilities as an interim solution. While this provides temporary relief, the Committee stressed that a long-term workforce strategy is needed.
“Recognising that some of these constraints stem from broader systemic issues beyond the department’s control, the Committee will engage with the provincial Treasury and the Office of the Premier to explore sustainable solutions that prioritise healthcare workforce needs.”
Furthermore, it recommended the implementation of a structured recruitment cycle to ensure vacancies are filled promptly, reducing reliance on acting appointments, which can disrupt service delivery.
Healthcare Infrastructure Projects
Infrastructure development remains a significant challenge for the GDoH, with delays in project completion affecting healthcare delivery. To address this, the department has implemented a capacity-building plan to take complete control of infrastructure projects, aiming for improved oversight, timely completion, and cost efficiency.
“The Committee will closely monitor whether this new approach leads to tangible improvements while ensuring the completion and handover of outstanding projects managed by DID.”
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Declining Medico-Legal Claims
The Committee welcomed progress in reducing medico-legal claims, which have historically drained the department’s financial resources. The contingent liability, which reached R18 billion in the 2022/23 financial year, has decreased by R7.2 billion, bringing it down to R7.1 billion by the third quarter of 2024/25.
This reduction provides financial relief, allowing the department to allocate more resources towards improving healthcare services rather than legal fees. However, the Committee urged the department “to further mitigate medico-legal claims while ensuring compliance with constitutional and legal frameworks.”
Chairperson of the Health and Wellness Portfolio Committee Adv. Ezra Letsoalo reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to holding the GDoH accountable for its mission to provide quality healthcare services. While reducing medico-legal claims is a positive step, the infrastructure development and staffing challenges require urgent intervention.
“We will continue to hold the relevant departments accountable and push for solutions that benefit the people of Gauteng.”
