BUDGET CRISIS AT GAUTENG ACADEMIC HOSPITALS

Two of Gauteng's four academic hospitals are struggling because their budgets are substantially less than what was spent by these hospitals last year.

This is revealed in a written reply by Gauteng Health MEC Hope Papo to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.

Worst affected is the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital as its budget this year is only R1.661 million - R336 million less than the R1.999 billion it spent last year.

The Steve Biko Academic Hospital has a budget of R1.368 billion, which is R46 million less than the R1.414 billion spent previously.

In contrast, the Chris Hani Baragwanath and George Mukhari Hospitals both underspent their budgets last year, but were given increased budgets this year.

Bara's budget last year was R2.540 billion, but only R2.433 billion of this was spent, and its budget this year is R2.478 billion.

George Mukhari spent only R1.238 billion of its R1.280 billion budget last year, and its budget this year is R1.362 billion.

It is clear that money is not being fairly allocated between the four hospitals.

While two of Gauteng's academic hospitals couldn't even spend their full budgets last year, the other two had to overspend to maintain services.

Gauteng hospitals need realistic budgets and good management to ensure that it is properly spent for the benefit of patients.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Health Spokesman, September 12 2012

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