GAUTENG CAT-SCANNER NON-PAYMENT ENDANGERS LIVES

The Gauteng Health Department owes the TecMed company millions of rands, resulting in CAT scanners at two hospitals not being repaired.

CAT scanners at the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital and at Leratong hospital on the West Rand have both been broken for about two months.

A 67-year-old man died recently at the Rahima Moosa Hospital after delays caused by the lack of a Cat scanner at the Leratong Hospital where he was first admitted.

This is a totally unacceptable situation. Patients' lives are in danger in emergency situations where early diagnosis is essential.

Meanwhile, the backlog of patients at Baragwanath who need a CAT scan is now more than 500 and keeps growing.

The department must sort out its continuing payment problems as soon as possible, without poor excuses.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Health spokesman, January 10 2014

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