FORENSIC PROBE NEEDED IN GAUTENG HEALTH TENDER RIP-OFFS

Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu must institute a forensic probe into all health tenders as there appear to be massive rip-offs due to corruption.

The one case that has been exposed (see article) is that of R48 million spent on ultra-violet irradiation units in 12 Gauteng hospitals, whereas the company that scored the highest technical points was R33 million cheaper.

This fishy contract was awarded to African Ultra Violet reportedly after pressure by Dr Patrick Maduna, the Gauteng Health Department's Chief Operating Officer and chairman of its acquisition council.

My information is that not only did we massively overspend on these irradiation units, but an extra R20 million will be paid over three years for their maintenance, whereas this was built into the price of the rejected tenders.

On this one tender alone, probable corruption has cost more than R50 million that should have been spent on improving patient care.

The department appears to be protecting Dr Maduna as they have not taken action against him after I exposed the fact earlier this year that he was irregularly occupying a government house for which he paid only R1000 a month rent.

I have now referred this to the Public Service Commission as it is outrageous that he has been able to get away with this and much else.

The Gauteng Health Department is awash with corruption, especially in the award of tenders. A full inquiry is needed into all these tenders, starting with this particularly outrageous example.

Statement by Jack Bloom MPL, Democratic Alliance Gauteng health spokesperson, June 1 2009

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