22 September 2006
The Gauteng Department of Health has taken note of the Auditor-General's
report about the Department's financial statements for 2005/06.
The Head of the Department, Sybil Ngcobo says the Department is addressing
issues raised by the Auditor-General and progress has already been made
following the year end on 31 March 2006.
The Department is strengthening internal financial controls and new
information systems are being introduced to manage the different reporting
systems that still exist.
Among the issues that were raised in the Auditor-General's report are:
* Weaknesses in the Department's fixed asset register
The Department is currently responsible for more than 250 facilities including
hospitals and clinics. The weaknesses are often found at facility level and
managers have been instructed to improve asset management. A project manager
has been appointed in the Department to oversee this process.
* Debt recovery from patients
A project to follow up on bad debts and reconcile the balances was initiated in
July and is already producing results. The Department is also involved in
negotiations with other provincial health departments to facilitate payment for
patients that have been referred to Gauteng for specialist treatment. The
national Department of Health is supporting this process.
* Control over stock items and inventories
A new electronic system has been introduced in hospitals and clinics to
strengthen control over medicine stock and inventories.
* The future of Kyalami hospital
The Kyalami hospital is no longer utilised as a facility by the Gauteng
Department of Health. The Department of Public Works has taken over
responsibility for the facility and will decide on its future.
* Environmental and occupational health and safety management
The Department has introduced a new bin system for the control and disposal of
medical waste. A comprehensive education programme has been launched at
facilities throughout the province to inform staff about the risks that medical
waste can hold for patient and staff safety.
Enquiries: Zanele Zungu
Tel: (011) 355 3503
Cell: 082 334 9820
Issued by: Department of Health, Gauteng Provincial Government
22 September 2006
