GAUTENG HEALTH FACES R876M LEGAL CLAIMS

The Gauteng Health Department faces R876 million in legal claims as at 31 March this year, up from R665 million the previous year.

This is disclosed in the department's annual report tabled last week in the Gauteng Legislature.

Most of the claims are medico legal concerning alleged negligence in treatment of patients. This amounts to R772 million, up from R575 million previously.

This is hugely disturbing. It means that patient care is deteriorating and money will be paid out that should rather be spent on fixing up our hospitals.

Other claims faced by the department include the following:

• Civil claims - R98 million
• Emergency Management Service - R4.9 million
• Crimen injuria - R900 000

Urgent intervention is needed to ensure that this department does not continue to be deluged by massive legal claims.

Statement by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Health Spokesman, September 23 2011

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