But it won’t take its medicine
auditor general’s report, the department had had only two full-time heads of department in the past two years. A new head of department was appointed in April 2014, but resigned three months later a in June 2014, Malamule said. An acting head of department was appointed from July 1 to September 7 2014. In September 2014 a new head of department was appointed, but he has been on sick leave since [September 2015]. An acting head of department has been appointed in the interim.
Malamule says the provincial health department chief financial officer has been on suspension since June 2014. An acting chief financial officer was appointed until the end of May 2014, after which a chief financial officer was transferred from the education department to the health department.
As far as the deputy director general posts are concerned, Malamule says there is only one vacant post at this level, and not two, as reported by the auditor general.
“The deputy director general for clinical services resigned in September 2014. Attempts were made to fill the post but suitable candidates could not be found,” he said. This post was also advertised in November 2015 and the process of filling it is underway.”
Malamule said Gillion Mashego’s appointment as health MEC in the province in May 2014 has brought “positive changes … Primary healthcare is at its peak”. Some of these changes include the refurbishment of a number of clinics and hospitals, and the allocation of about R30million to replace generators in all health facilities.
According to Malamule, t he department has spent nearly R173million or 60% of its hospital revitalisation grant.
“In a nutshell, the MEC has done a lot. Medical shortages in health facilities are now a thing of the past and the provision of food is also going well, together with provision of linen,” Malamule said.
“The MEC has addressed the shortages of health professionals in the province. A number of health professional posts are being advertised to be filled before the end of the financial year.”