Gauteng Department of Health has put progressive plans in place to ensure sustainability of food to patients in its facilities.
The Department has awarded R497 million worth of contracts to 34 small and medium companies to supply fresh nutritious food from 2013 until 2016 in the province’s 34 hospitals and more than 300 clinics.
Gauteng MEC for Health Hope Papo has said that the department has in recent months paid more than R16.6 million to these small medium and micro enterprises.
“I am pleased to announce that these capable SMMEs have never failed to deliver the service and the challenges of late and non-payment which once led to disruptions of services are being managed,” said MEC.
Payments that the department has processed and paid in an effort to clear supplier debt in the past few years have also assisted in improving services in provincial health facilities.
“The department now pays the majority (76%) of its suppliers within 30 days and as a result of these regular payments the availability of medicines for an example has improved significantly. This has also given a boost to SMMEs who cannot operate without regular cash flow,” added MEC Papo.
Working with Gauteng Provincial Treasury we are currently auditing all outstanding debts to ensure that services were rendered before paying.
The department would like to re-assure all suppliers and services providers that it is committed to meet all its past and future obligations. We will endeavour to ensure that our patients continue to receive the best possible care in all our facilities.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
