Facing more than R32 million in outstanding accruals, ODI District Hospital in Mabopane has come under scrutiny, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) warning that unpaid bills are beginning to affect services. However, the Gauteng Department of Health insists patient care remains unaffected and the hospital continues to operate normally.
The department confirmed the hospital has R32.2 million in accruals but said much of the debt is already being addressed. Of the amount, R18.5 million is on approved payment proposals, while R11 million falls within the legally prescribed 30-day payment period, meaning the payments are still being processed in line with financial regulations.
The financial pressures were revealed during a recent oversight visit by the DA, where finance manager Charles Lesufi disclosed the scale of the unpaid bills to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Wellness.
But the DA says the situation is already affecting operations.
DA Gauteng health spokesperson Madeleine Hicklin said suppliers were beginning to cut back services after the hospital accumulated R33 million in unpaid bills, with most of the debt overdue.
“Patients at ODI District Hospital in Mabopane, Tshwane, are experiencing increasing disruptions to healthcare services. Suppliers have begun cutting back on essential support after accumulating R33 million in unpaid bills from the hospital,” she said.
Hicklin added that about 80% of the debt is overdue beyond the 30-day payment period, leaving some suppliers struggling to pay staff or restock supplies.
“While the DA is appalled by this discovery, we are not surprised, as we have consistently exposed the poor financial controls in the department led by the incompetent Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. The MEC's abject failure to implement sound financial controls is now affecting over one million residents served by this hospital.”
She warned the debt could also affect plans to fill 27 vacant posts and expand services at the hospital, which currently has only four accident and emergency beds and limited intensive care capacity, often forcing critically ill patients to be ventilated in casualty while mental health patients are accommodated in general wards.
However, the Gauteng Department of Health has dismissed the claims as misleading.
The department said no suppliers have reduced or halted services and that essential operations, including emergency, surgical and mental health care, continue uninterrupted.
“In terms of staff shortages, we wish to confirm that 18 of the 27 clinical and nursing posts are at an advanced stage of being filled, with interviews underway. The remaining posts will be advertised in the next financial year should additional funds be available.”
The department also said the hospital has recently undergone major infrastructure upgrades, including renovations to the male surgical ward, post-natal ward, outpatient department and emergency unit.
“Floors throughout the hospital have been upgraded with durable vinyl and all service level agreements for medical equipment are fully in place, ensuring that the hospital operates efficiently and safely,” the department added.
The Star
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