Gauteng Department of Health MEC Bandile Masuku presented 2019/20 budget vote on tuesday, at Gauteng Provincial Legislature in Johannesburg.
Masuku said amongst challenges faced in the department, are hospitals such as Baragwanath Academic hospital. The challenge is at theatre department, which is their unavailability.
“Improvement of efficiency in theatres should be attended. A long waiting time due to queues and unavailability of staff. For instance, there are 2083 patients waiting for surgery. As for cutlery are a total of 6083, 828 patients are waiting for hip and knee replacement. For that to happen, waiting time is five years. Issues such as diabetes, resulting in replacement of hip and knee, can be prevented”, he said.
However, there were different departments presenting their budget.
Gauteng department of Economic Development and Agriculture MEC Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said R3.5 million has been spend to radiate boreholes and pavement. He added that department of Infrastructure has been approached on this issue.
Masuku said concerning issues of patients facing challenges after using medication, there are limited conditions dealing with patients’ medical confidentiality.
“There are clinical governance dealing with potential safety, issues coming with what they do, as well as procedures to be followed. There are meetings of Drs whereby discussion about issues of individual patients. How to solve issues, corrections of mistakes and how to avoid mistakes. Disciplinary processes are also held on professionals where necessary. The meetings are held every month and the aim is to create accountability and transparency of the profession involved”, said Masuku.
MEC Ramokgopa said the department of Economic Development will implement different developments for improvements.
“We will develop solar far, low carbon food plant, use of electric delivery and neutralisation of acidic in the river. Waste reclamation centre for recycling will also be created and the budget is based on job opportunities. We will also look into small holder farmers and informal traders”, said Ramokgopa.
