Issued by: National Year 2000 Decision Support Centre Y2K The Department of Health received the National Year 2000 Decision Support Centre Y2K Best Effort Award for exceptional dedication to readying the health sector for year 2000.
"We’re delighted about the award," said Lebona Moshanyana, information technology director and chief Y2K coordinator for the department of health. "It’s been a true team effort involving government and private companies in the health sector."
The award is given to companies or organisations that have shown exceptional dedication to fixing their Y2K related problems. The NYDSC, also known as the Y2K centre, recognised the leadership shown by the Department of Health in mobilising the entire health sector – private and public –to tackle Y2K. Veli Mahlangu, Y2K Centre project leader for risk analysis and contingency planning commended the department’s contingency plans. "This exercise involves the revision of contingency plans in 900 major clinics and hospitals across the country.
"The level of detail is astonishing – they have even made provisions for torch batteries in the unlikely event of power failure. These plans will ensure well-being of patience during and beyond the rollover," said Mahlangu.
Since the Department of Health started its Y2K programme early this year, it has completed extensive work involving identifying, fixing, remedying, and in some cases tested systems and some medical equipment for year 2000 readiness. The Department of Health is responsible for fixing Y2K problems at national level, while provincial governments assist with remedial work in major clinics and hospitals within their respective borders.
The health department is also assisting SADC member countries because of the general lack of knowledge and expertise about Y2K testing of health equipment.
For further information contact:
Feriel Bowers
Communications Executive
National Year 2000 Decision Support Centre
+27 12-427-8257 telephone
+27 12-427-8274 facsimile
Lebona Moshanyana
Director: Information Technology
Department of Health
+27 12-312-0868 telephone
+27 12-312-0957 facsimile
7 September 1999