Underfunding at Baragwanath compromises health care
26 September 2022
Note to editors: Please find attached soundbite by Michele Clarke MP.
In answer to a parliamentary question from the DA, the Minister for Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, revealed that the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital owed R178 410 428 in outstanding accruals, and that 26% of suppliers weren’t paid within the 30 days requirement.
The Minister also revealed the severe impact of Baragwanath’s underfunding on staff and the health care of patients. His reply stated that the hospital’s limited budget is unable to cover the extension and refurbishment of service areas according to its needs. This has a negative impact on everything from linen availability to kitchen operations and theatre outputs – Gauteng has a surgery backlog of 13 433 since July.
While Baragwanath is supposed to offer access to tertiary health care services, patients in need of those, like radiation therapy and cardiac surgery, are referred to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital for treatment. There are also limited ICU beds.