Issued by: Office of the MEC for Health, Gauteng,
31 May 2001
Mr. Speaker,
Honourable Premier,
Colleagues in the Executive,
Members of the House,
Guests.
It gives me great pleasure to present to the House today and to the Gauteng public, the Health Budget for the 2001/2002 financial year.
Our budget for this year is R6.7 billion. Mr. Speaker, this budget will build on the work done to date within the medium term framework and the strategic plan of the department. We will continue with our efforts to limit the socio-economic burden of ill health at individual, community and provincial level, to improve the quality of health care and to accelerate the transformation of health services.
Today, Mr. Speaker, I can announce that the progress that has been made to date is indeed encouraging. However, room for improvement remains to redress the remaining backlogs inherited from the Apartheid inhumanity and inefficiencies. Mr. Speaker, I have to refer to this era so that we always remember that the disease burden we carry has its roots in a system that was designed to subject over 80% of its citizens to underdevelopment, disease and increased vulnerability to death.
There is now demonstrable progress to redress these effects, but we should never forget that this suffering of our children, our mothers, our workers and our communities was deliberately engineered over decades. As we enjoy the comforts of our seats today, we must remember that we are not here for an academic debate over statistics and figures, but to ensure that we meet the aspirations of the millions of our people to whom we are a beacon of hope for a better health and a better life. Our focus in the Department remains on those that are most vulnerable. For we must never forget, that good health is a way out of poverty, and results in a greater sense of well-being and increased social and economic productivity.
We will not tolerate any employees that tarnish the image of many professional, dedicated, caring and honest members of our staff. A caring ethos is non-negotiable in a clinic, hospital or any other health care setting. We encourage those not satisfied with the quality of care in our institutions to complain and our commitment is to ensure that there is an environment of service excellence, a caring ethos and quality care. We will not allow anyone to weaken our resolve to attain this ideal. Systems are being strengthened to send a very strong message of zero tolerance to those few with deviant, negligent and ill-disciplined behaviour. In the last year, 21 have been dismissed, 43 charged with fraud, 77 charged with theft, 13 suspended and 6 professional negligence cases have been dealt with.
On many occasions, the media and the public have played a constructive role, both in acknowledging positive aspects of care as well as highlighting deviation from norms and standards. There are also instances where reporting has been irresponsible and grossly inaccurate. I have learned recently that there is limited free media space or airtime to cover good news. It is our duty to provide good service at all times. Whilst it is our duty to provide good service at all times, we would like to thank members of the public who received satisfactory service and made the effort to complement us.
IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF OUR PEOPLE
Mr. Speaker, our business and mandate is to keep the citizenry healthy for optimal development and productivity through interventions that enable individuals and the public:
CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES
The Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) is a global initiative, which aims to improve the quality of care for children and reduce the diseases that affect them. There is progress across the entire province. All clinics now have functional Oral Rehydration Treatment Corners to treat diarrhoea and prevent its complications. Ninety percent of our clinics have IMCI trained staff.
There are specific initiatives to improve the survival and care of new-borns in regional hospitals. Initiatives include the training of staff in the management of high-risk babies, addressing health system issues such as inadequate equipment, ensuring medical specialist support and 'kangaroo' care for very low birth-weight infants. Kangaroo care involves keeping the baby in close skin contact with the mother for natural warmth as opposed to keeping babies in incubators. This encourages bonding and feeding on demand and reduces infection rates. The successful Gauteng experience of improved neonatal outcomes through 'Kangaroo' care has been shared nationally.
Last year, Mr. Speaker, over 240 000 children in 970 schools were fed and 14 projects were funded to improve household food security for children. For these nutrition programmes to be sustainable, we will strengthen collaboration with the sectors in social services and agriculture for poverty alleviation as well as in education to enable optimal performance of learners. The Department will increasingly focus on health interventions. Our pre-school programme fed over 100 000 children in more than 1 000 cr^ches, thereby ensuring their optimal cognitive development.
As the whole world prepares to declare polio eradicated from her face, an essential contribution to the health of our children and future generations is to ensure that every infant is fully immunised against diseases such as measles, tuberculosis and diphtheria. The goal is to reduce the incidence of the disease and ultimately achieve their eradication. We had another successful mass immunisation campaign for polio and measles, which reached coverage levels of 87% and 89% respectively. We have also achieved an 82% immunisation rate for tuberculosis. These achievements have been possible through the positive response of the parents and caregivers of these children.
In the second half of the year, under the leadership of the national Minister of Health, government announced plans to strengthen existing antenatal care protocols by introducing pilot sites for the prevention of mother to child HIV transmission in all provinces. We remain mindful of the fact that this programme and the administration of Nevirapine is not a panacea for the prevention of mother to child transmission. Nevirapine is a very small part of the overall programme, and must be accompanied with adequate voluntary testing and counselling, trained staff and adequate support systems. Although the drug is potentially toxic, available research indicates that it achieves an overall reduction in transmission by one third. Our capacity to monitor mothers and babies for a minimum of 2 years is being developed and this intervention will be located within the overall the IMCI, the Maternal Well-being, the VCT and home-based care programmes.
WOMEN'S AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Two years ago, a system where women retained their health cards was introduced. The system aims to reduce unnecessary repetition of medical tests and treatment, thus improving quality of care. With the availability of information to different caregivers, the card improves communication and continuity of care. More health information is available during an emergency or when travelling. The card saves money and time and enhances client responsibility.
Together with the community of Mamelodi, we held an awareness campaign to raise awareness among women about breast self-examination. This will increase early detection of lumps and ultimately reduce the number of deaths due to breast cancer. Over 3200 women were reached with the campaign.
In February this year, we ran the second successful Pregnancy Awareness Week. This will become an annual event that increases awareness of pregnancy related complications, prevention, early detection and management. Families are encouraged to support the mother and the baby throughout, as well as immediately after, the pregnancy. In addition, we continue to run the Doula programme, a labour companion programme, which allows a woman in labour to have support from a relative, friend or a volunteer community member. To date the institutions practicing Doula are Lillian Ngoyi community health centre, Coronation, Johannesburg, South Rand as well as Ga-Rankuwa hospitals.
We have also developed a programme to upgrade the skills of health workers and improve the conditions of our clinics and maternity wards in the province. All our institutions are implementing the antenatal care policy and 180 midwives and several medical staff have attended in-service training courses.
Mr. Speaker, this government has shown the seriousness with which it addresses women's health. The empowerment of women is beginning to yield positive results. There is a decrease in the number of women dying of bleeding in pregnancy. We remain concerned about deaths due to hypertension, pregnancy-related infections and non-pregnancy related infections, including HIV/AIDS. Maternal deaths are notifiable by both public and private sectors and this year we will develop joint programs with general private practitioners so that all the mothers in our province enjoy safe pregnancy. This collaboration with the private sector has already started. A project is underway in Tembisa, in conjunction with Kalafong Hospital and thirty General Practitioners (GPs) in the area. The GPs will provide antenatal care for two to three patients per day without charge; in exchange for training on the latest antenatal care policies and guidelines on the delivery of antenatal care.
The department remains concerned that many pregnant women, especially young women, die from septic abortions despite the availability of contraception and choice of termination of pregnancy services in our health centres and hospitals. Compared to 1999, the number of terminated pregnancies did not increase in the last year and the demands on the services appear to have stabilised. Training of staff continues, and 76 midwives have been trained in termination of pregnancy care. Thirty-two of these midwives have been trained in contraceptive counselling to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The importance of this initiative is to increase access to the service, particularly at the primary care level.
Sterilisation services are available should couples choose this option. Male condoms continue to be distributed freely in all health care facilities, through NGOs, CBOs and tertiary institutions and in all campaigns in order to reduce the rate of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and prevent pregnancy.
In 2001/2002, a dedicated budget of R8 million is allocated to the implementation of the cervical screening programme, which aims to screen 90% of all women between the ages of 35 and 55.
CARE FOR SURVIVORS OF TRAUMA AND VIOLENCE
We are proud of our co-ordinated and integrated programmes as government. My Department, together with the Departments of Safety and Liaison, Social Services and Population Development, South African Police Services and non-governmental organisations, will be strengthening and building Victim Support Centres for survivors of violence, mainly children and women. In the last year, six joint centres have been re-furbished and launched at Hillbrow, Tembisa, Discoverers, Soshanguve, Cullinan and Carletonville Hospitals. This brings the total number of joint centres to eight. Victim Friendly services in police stations are also supported to ensure care for the survivor and provide expert input for successful prosecution.
YOUTH FRIENDLY SERVICES
Youth friendly services create a welcoming environment for the youth and implementation of these services has increased access to contraception for female youths, as they are able to relate to their peers. It also encourages communication about sexuality and reproductive health thus contributing to a reduction in teenage pregnancy. There are eight youth friendly services in the province at Carletonville, Kagiso, Mofolo, Daveyton, Nigel, Sebokeng, Sharpeville and Soshanguve.
SERVICES FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
One of the focus areas in the past year remained the supply of assistive devices for disabled people. A total of 2059 wheelchairs, buggies, hearing aids and walking aids were supplied to disabled individuals in the last year.
The physically disabled have been assisted through projects like the Medunsa Organisation for Entrepreneurs (MODE) (to be productive and economically active). We continue to fund three occupational therapy posts at this organisation, thereby reducing handicap and dependency on disability grants. In conjunction with ABSA Bank and the Association for the Hearing Disabled, about 200 staff members were trained on needs of the hearing disabled and elementary sign language. Posters developed by ABSA were distributed to all institutions.
Gauteng continued to perform more than 5000 cataract operations, thus preventing blindness and improving quality of life. This is the largest number of operations in the country.
PREVENTION OF ABUSE OF THE ELDERLY
Our old people must be treated with respect. In the last year, we conducted workshops in old-aged homes about the prevention and management of abuse with the intention of raising awareness. In addition, 250 health care workers have been trained in care of the elderly and 94 support groups have been started. These support groups consist of elderly people and deal with issues affecting them.
TOBACCO LEGISLATION
The final regulations to the Tobacco Control Amendment Act came into force in September 2000. This Act prohibits all tobacco advertising, sponsorships and promotions and restricts smoking in all enclosed spaces to specially designated smoking areas. Enforcement of this Act requires a number of actions such as continuing with public education and mobilising communities to support the regulation.
HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES
More than 1 million visits to our primary health care facilities are by people suffering from hypertension and diabetes. In the last two years, the Department conducted major awareness and screening campaigns. Individuals with the diseases were referred for appropriate treatment, thus reducing complications from these conditions.
CONTROLLING COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Influenza:
More than 100 000 vaccine shots will be available to high-risk groups for the winter season, an increase of more than 30 000 from the previous year. The need is estimated to be between 70 000 and 85 000, hence no shortfall is anticipated. Indigent patients will be provided with the vaccine free of charge.
Cholera:
The 59 cholera cases in Gauteng resulted in a co-ordinated response to the epidemic at Provincial level - with involvement from the Departments of Developmental Planning and Local Government and Health. May I take this opportunity to thank all the stakeholders for the co-ordinated effort in contributing to the low number of cholera cases in this province? We assisted with the control of the epidemic in KwaZulu-Natal, and would like to thank the Gauteng volunteers for responding to the national call.
Mental Health:
Mr. Speaker, this year is mental health focus year. It is estimated that mental health problems constitute 8.1% of the global burden of disease. The aims of our programme are to improve community services and the integration of mental health care with general services. Achievements in the last year include the construction of the first acute psychiatric unit at Natalspruit Hospital, which I will open early in July 2001. Our programme also aims to get people, who have recovered adequately back to the community. We have discharged 143 patients from Life Care institutions.
Tuberculosis:
TB remains a major public health threat in this country due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In the last year, we launched a major offensive against TB. The overall cure rate increased from 52% to 61%, and cure rate in new infections increased by 2%. The directly observed treatment, short course is available in more than 80% of our clinics. TB management will remain a priority focus in this year.
Consolidation of progress on HIV/AIDS:
HIV/AIDS is the greatest public health challenge facing the World today. The Gauteng antenatal survey results show that despite an overall increase, there is a slowing down for the under 20 years, from 20% to 16%. This may be indicative that our prevention programmes are having the desired effect.
Mr. Speaker, I want to caution against scare tactics when reporting HIV statistics. The recently reported figures of 2 out of 3 people being HIV positive in Diepsloot is misleading, as it was not based on any scientific study. While the community is at risk for a number of social and economic reasons, we need to be responsible given the stigma attached to the disease.
Social mobilisation campaigns continue to reach millions of people:
The 2000 World AIDS Day Campaign reached over 5 million people; radio messages reached at least 10 million listeners; 10,000 Valentines Day cards with "safer sex" messages were distributed to schools and various youth organisations and outdoor advertisements reach approximately 3 million people.
There is now substantially increased access to counselling through the training of volunteer counsellors. More than 1,000 of these volunteers have been trained in the past year. Thirty-six home-based care services have been funded by government and operate in 80% of health districts. The budget for these services was R3.5 million. A Home Based Care Training course for community caregivers has been implemented and 150 community-based caregivers are currently being trained.
In terms of medical care, 89% of all our clinics provide TB care; hospital guidelines for the treatment of AIDS related infections have been finalised and a total of 78 hospice beds provided by NGOs have been funded by the Provincial Health Department.
Seven million condoms continue to be distributed each month throughout the province. Coverage for STD services is good, and a recent independent, survey, showed that 96% of clinics offer STD care.
Four peer education projects have been established, reaching people at special risk, in mining areas (Carletonville, Westonaria, Randfontein), inner city sex workers and informal settlements in Doornkop. Training of peer educators in schools is on going as well as life-skills training and AIDS information/awareness has continued in over 75% all schools, reaching over 1 million learners.
Ten new services have been established to increase access to voluntary counselling and testing. The National Department of Health has funded these services. Seventy youths from all Regions were trained on life skills and reproductive health in December 2000. These youths conduct peer education programmes in schools, especially high schools, and in the Youth Friendly Clinics and Workplace AIDS programmes have been introduced in the health department with training of trainers and staff.
We are privileged to have high profile leadership in the Province, through the Premier, the entire Provincial Cabinet. Executive mayors play a leadership role in advocating Local AIDS programmes under the leadership of Local Government. In each of the three Metros, the Mayor has mandated a team to develop an AIDS programme plan and structure. Resources have been allocated for these processes. Councillors and senior management is being briefed on the AIDS Strategy. The rate of progress varies across the Metros. The Western District Council has also initiated briefings on AIDS. Sedibeng and Motsweding will be approached to organise briefings.
GAUTENG WORKPLACE AIDS PROGRAMME
The Workplace Training Programme is well-developed. A total of 1 033 staff has been trained as trainers. We also trained 1 228 staff in the smaller Departments. Seventy three thousand information booklets were distributed. The Gauteng AIDS Programme collaborated with Local Government, SAPS, Correctional Services and the military on the Workplace Programme. We are encouraged by the positive response by the private sector, employers and unions.
In this year, the dedicated AIDS budget has increased from R34 million to R72 million. We will use this money to expand the number of hospice beds from 78 to 145. In addition, R5 million will be used to kick-start step down beds. The number of home-based care projects will increase from 36 to 40, and five of these will be fully consolidated as health and social services integrated projects.
IMPROVING OUR HEALTH SERVICES.
Over a period of three years, there has been a shift of patients from hospital outpatient departments to primary health care facilities. The number of people using our primary health care services continues to increase. Last year, over 8 million patient visits were made, as compared to the 6 million visits the previous year. The number of hospital outpatient visits is also decreasing over the same period of time, which indicates that communities are, indeed, beginning to have confidence in our primary health are services.
An independent survey has shown that coverage is good for the basic package of primary health care services, and is available in excess of 80% clinics.
DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICES
A significant milestone during 2000 was the passage of the Gauteng District Health Act. Regulations to give effect to this Act are being finalised. In my meetings with the new local governments, we received endorsement of the policy options taken and bilateral technical teams will be established to finalise details and timeframes for the devolution process.
Primary health care services have received an average budget increase of 6.7%, in line with our commitment to improving basic health care services. In addition, local government will receive an budget increase of 5% for primary health care services. I have received strong support from local government on our policies and look forward to a reciprocal resourcing of municipal health services.
In the meantime, the functional integration of services will be strengthened. It is worth noting that Gauteng remains a centre of excellence for district health development. Two of our districts won in the National District Health System Competition. Brakpan was voted the best urban district and Nigel the third best rural district in the country. We acknowledge the assistance given to Brakpan by the Health System Trust in winning this award. The World Health Organisation gave an Award Stanza Bopape for the best urban Community Health Centre nationally. We are proud of our health workers and I invite the honourable members to applaud them on behalf of our communities.
We will continue to fund the Alexandra Health Centre to the value of R15 million. As health services are important to the regeneration of Alexandra, discussions on the referral systems and optimal service provision will be entered into with the Centre Management and Board.
HOSPITAL SERVICES
Mr Speaker, I am proud to say that we have managed to achieve a balanced budget for a second year, and our hospitals continue their efforts to improve service delivery and contain expenditure.
The Department took cognisance of the report of the Commission of Enquiry into Hospital Services and efforts to revitalise hospital services were accelerated. Significant progress has been made in addressing management problems confronting hospitals. We have appointed CEOs at a number of hospitals in Gauteng, and these individuals are making a difference. Only nine posts remain vacant and the majority of these have been advertised already.
Our programme for strengthening regional hospitals especially in previously disadvantaged areas will continue. There is visible improvement in cleanliness of these hospitals, management has been stabilised and systems to improve efficiency have been implemented. Regional hospitals will receive an increase of 4.8% in this year's budget. They will also benefit from initiatives in infrastructure development and the financial capacity building programmes.
With regard to academic hospitals, they will receive an overall increase is 4.8%. The four central hospitals will benefit from a R32 million conditional grant from national Treasury for strengthening their management systems. Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital received an amount of R 70 million for equipment. They will also benefit from initiatives in infrastructure development and the financial capacity building programmes.
The equipment budget for all hospitals has been increased, which will strengthen the revitalisation process. Indications are that hospitals will again exceed the revenue target agreed to with Treasury. All money raised over and above the target will be returned to us.
As a result of the service improvement fund allocated in the last financial year, Edenvale was able to strengthen 24-hour services. I am pleased to say that I will open the additional services on 6 June 2001. Mamelodi used the Service Improvement Fund money to improve services as a whole. Today, I can proudly say that Mamelodi Hospital has just completed a major facelift to its wards, waiting area and emergency unit and opening 12 new wards and a further 28 will be in full use by the end of this month. Walls have been re-painted, grounds paved, floors have been tiled anew and the theatre will be re-opened as soon as renovations are completed. A total of 15 health professionals have been employed this month, and 14 senior positions presently vacant will be filled by next month. We are committed to reducing unnecessary transfers of patients to Kalafong, Pretoria Academic and other neighbouring hospitals due to shortage of beds in Mamelodi.
Other encouraging developments include the opening of the discharge lounge at Johannesburg Hospital in May 2001. Kalafong's Kangaroo ward continued to provide excellent care, and the results in improving prenatal care were shared at a number of conferences. Garankuwa established a wound clinic to reduce the length of stay and its ophthalmology clinic is amongst the best in the world.
I am also pleased that the contract with Netcare was signed for the leasing of beds at Bronkhorstspruit Hospital. This agreement came into operation on 1 April 2001.
The Essential Drug List (EDL) has been implemented and most hospitals are fully compliant. The Provincial Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committees have been established, and a draft policy on joint appointments of academic staff has been developed. Our key activities this year are to finalise the service plan and to achieve equitable allocation of hospital services to regions and access to specialised services.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Mr. Speaker, this year will see revised legislation for the transformation of emergency medical services in Gauteng. While we have challenges, we need to acknowledge the good work that is being done. We have received numerous compliments from families of victims of the Ellis Park disaster 7 weeks ago, for the outstanding work done by our emergency medical services staff during the disaster. The care and support received by survivors in the Johannesburg group of hospitals was commendable. We want to acknowledge the staff that worked tirelessly to reduce the pain experienced by the survivors and their relatives. This year will see pilot projects to improve emergency medicine in casualty departments. EMS training has been rationalised and our training remains among the best in the country. Revised memoranda of agreements with the new municipalities will be implemented in the new financial year.
QUALITY OF CARE
We made major progress in laying the groundwork for an overall quality assurance programme in the Department. A Health Rights Revival summit was held in February 2000, where the National Patients Charter and our own Service Pledge were launched. This event was followed by various regional and district events throughout the Province. It is through this pledge that our staff committed themselves to quality health care for all. More than a 1000 front-line health workers were trained during 2000 and a follow-up summit are scheduled for July 2001.
The patient complaints procedure is now formalised. Our regions and institutions have taken steps to ensure that the complaints system is user friendly and strengthens the hand of the consumer. Awareness on these instruments of patient empowerment continues to be raised, and institutions have been monitored on whether the patient charter is displayed prominently. Help desks have been established in the majority of institutions. Other measures include encouraging communities to use the suggestion boxes, the wearing of name badges and the community health committees and the hospital boards oversee the process.
ACCREDITATION OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
I established an Accreditation Committee on October 2000. This committee will function to inspect and certify public health institutions that comply with set departmental norms and standards developed by Gauteng Health. Our aim to ensure that all clinics and hospitals are accredited over the next 3 years. As from the present financial year, we plan to accredit 20% of institutions. This initial phase will cover the amount of time a patient had to wait before being attended to, cleanliness of bathrooms and toilets, management of patient's complaints, compliance with the Patients' Rights Charter and clinical areas dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
The programme to prevent and treat pressure sores in our hospitals will be further strengthened this year. This year will see a major focus on clinical aspects of care and hence Khanyisa Kick Start will reward innovation and service excellence in this area. The Accreditation programme and Khanyisa awards will receive over R 3 million.
IMPROVING VALUE FOR MONEY AND EFFECTIVENESS.
We now have a streamlined Head Office with larger, more capacitated regional offices to promote efficiency and enhance service delivery.
Our staff remains our most important resource. More than 5 000 people were trained in various areas in the last financial year, ranging from professional in-service training to formal management and support programmes. We have finalised our human resources, recruitment and selection policies, 455 job evaluations were done, we managed to achieve a reduction in absenteeism in some institutions. For example, at Sterkfontein hospital, the absenteeism rate has dropped by 24%.
In November 2000, the new Pharmacy Regulations were promulgated and community service for pharmacists became mandatory. The Department employed 84 community service pharmacists, who have assisted in relieving the shortage of pharmacists. In some hospital outpatient departments, waiting times were reduced from 8 hours to between 15 and 30 minutes. A total of 128 community service doctors are employed since the beginning of 2001. Cuban doctors remain a valuable support at our community health services.
There are specific initiatives to strengthen nursing in the Province. A conscious decision was taken to shift the budget for student nurses training from hospitals to nursing colleges. The number of funded student nursing posts has increased by 57; thereby ensuring that future supply of professional nurses is maintained. Post-basic training for nursing, and contractual agreements continues.
IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES - MOBILISATION, EFFICIENCY AND EQUITY
A total of R57 million has been allocated in this financial year for initiatives to implement the Public Finance Management Act. Strengthening of financial management systems, controls and capacity building will continue. There has been encouraging progress on cost centre development at eight hospitals, bar coding of assets, financial awareness training of all categories of staff and improvement of security in certain strategic areas of pharmaceuticals, stores and kitchens.
Initiatives for the 2001/2 financial year include the further roll out of the asset inventory management; the implementation of the Shared Hospital Debt Management Centre (Thusanang) and implementation of the revenue collection recommendations, training for all personnel working in financial departments at hospitals and regions and strengthening human resource control.
DECENTRALISATION
Hospital and regional managers have delegated authority to appoint staff at entry level, effect progressive discipline up to a final warning, and procurement of goods and services for up to a stipulated amount. This includes the decentralisation of minor maintenance functions as from 1 April 2001. Further delegations will be affected with respect to: appointments at higher levels and promotion of staff; approval of overtime and other related matters.
We have made good progress in the fight against corruption and in combating the theft of medicines at the Medical Supply Depot in Auckland Park. Four staff members have been dismissed and disciplinary action taken against a number of others for fraud, corruption and theft.
Security cameras in the depots have been maintained and improved. Electronic stock control systems and asset registers will be implemented more widely once pilot projects currently in place at selected institutions have been completed.
Ownership of the linen will be allocated to hospitals. Additional funds have been made available to purchase additional linen to enable this transfer of ownership to occur. Controls and management will be improved.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The implementation of the Medicom System is going according to plan and final sign off is due in December 2001. The total amount spent on the project to date is R106 million, with 34% paid to Small and Medium Enterprises. This is a major achievement. The total number of jobs created equals 70, with 81% occupied by previously disadvantaged individuals and 44% occupied by women. The target for staff training was set at 8 587 staff members, and to date 9 025 staff members have been trained. The coming year will see the start of implementation of the Medicom system at the Johannesburg, Pretoria Academic and Mamelodi Hospitals.
With the support of the Italian government, a geographical information system is in the process of being developed.
CAPEX
Mr Speaker, I reported on the difficulties in our Capex budget in my previous budget speech. For 2001-2002, an amount of R 362 792 000 has been allocated to Programme 7. This represents a 42.8% increase on the previous year's budget. The allocation for 2001/2002 year will enable the Health Department to concentrate on general upgrade and large-scale maintenance projects at some institutions.
Some of the projects envisaged for the year include the extension or renovation of primary health care facilities in areas of need, new psychiatric wards in general hospitals and the renovation of casualties and high care units.
The total budget allocation for the 2001/2 financial year for both Capital Works and Equipment is R 649 746 000. This represents an increase of 55.5% over the 2000-2001 financial year. A conditional grant of R50 million has been allocated for the completion of the new Pretoria Academic Hospital. The Hospital Reconstruction and Rehabilitation grant is R 102 million, for both existing projects as well as the completion of new projects. Mr. Speaker, this welcome windfall will assist us in improving our facilities. This year, the budget allows us to have reserves for emergencies such as the bursting of pipes, generators, roof leaks, lifts and repair of other essential items. We need to note that the recent emergency at Helen Joseph is as a result of the inherited maintenance backlogs. Outdated design and construction, made it difficult to detect the problem at an earlier stage.
CONCLUSION
Mr. Speaker the mandate of the African National Congress, which is my mandate, is to speed up delivery of basic services like health care, to improve the quality of public services within the Batho Pele principles and to ensure good governance. The department of Health in Gauteng is delivering on this mandate and its constitutional obligation.
The aspiration of our citizens for a humane quality health service, like dawn after dark, is getting brighter and real. Just as we worked for our new democracy and the freedom of Nelson Mandela, we will leave no stone unturned until this aspiration is attained. We will not allow propaganda and the uncaring few in our services to deter us.
Mr. Speaker we are ready to incorporate constructive criticism and progressive discipline, in our quest to build one nation and to grow. We are equally unstoppable in our quest to satisfy the aspiration of our people for a decent, caring and quality health system. This is a basic right; it is the affirmation and restoration of human dignity. It is not much to ask for, and, with the support of this institution of democracy, we will continue to cover more ground in this financial year 2001/2002.
I cherish the patriotism, support and efforts of those on the Provincial Health Authority, Community Health Committees, Hospital Boards, Khanyisa Award Committees, Accreditation Committee, Gauteng Aids Council as well as the numerous partners in the community organisations and private sector.
I want to acknowledge the contribution of all the management, professional and support staff in stabilising the services and embracing the quality assurance program in the past year. It is through this contribution that Dr Laetitia Rispel, the Head of the Department, and the new management team is better positioned to continue with improvements.
The leadership of the Premier and that of the National Minister of Health as well as the support of colleagues in the Executive and in MinMEC has been invaluable. The engagements and contributions of the Portfolio Committee on Health, under the leadership of Dr RAM Saloojee is also appreciated. Mr. Speaker, There are many others whom I did not mention by name, in particular my immediate and extended family as well as my office staff, who have enabled me to serve our people to the best I can.
I thank you.
Contact: Hope Huma on 082 555 2302