Dr Lesia appointed Bara chief executive
THE DA yesterday welcomed the appointment of Dr Nkele Lesia as the new chief executive of Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto.
Dr Lesia will be in charge of a R3 billion budget and 6 000 employees.
“This appointment is long overdue as the hospital has been without a permanent CEO for three years since former health MEC Qedani Mahlangu removed the previous CEO for unexplained reasons,” said Jack Bloom, DA spokesperson on health.
“I hope that he provides the necessary strong leadership to rebuild morale at the hospital and fix deep-rooted problems that adversely affect the quality of patient care.”
In August, unions marched to the hospital demanding that acting chief executive Dr Sfiso Maseko step down, corrupt officials be removed, the release of the investigation report, the filling of vacant posts, and fair employment opportunities.
Maseko was dismissed soon after this as workers protested against alleged corruption and exploitation of women.
Dr Richard Lebethe was appointed acting chief executive until the finalisation of the ongoing investigation of the allegations raised by unions.
Bloom said a priority should be reducing the waiting times for surgery. He said patients have to wait three to five years for a hip operation. | African News Agency (ANA)