The Gauteng Health Department has made a high level intervention to resolve a dispute which has delayed the maintenance of oncology machines at some of its hospitals and ensure cancer patients receive their treatment as soon as possible.
The Head of Department, Dr Nomonde Xundu, has had direct discussions with the company that services the machines to ensure that the equipment is repaired in the next few days.
“We regret what has happened. This has been a lesson for us. Going forward, we will make sure that maintenance is planned for and that contracts are managed properly. It should not happen again,” Dr Xundu said.
She said a catch-up programme will be put in place once the machines have been repaired and patients will be called back to resume treatment.
Maintenance of the equipment was delayed because of a dispute over invoices and amounts of money owed to the company contracted to repair them. Dr Xundu said the dispute has now been resolved.
“The department and the government have never reneged on contracts. Dispute over invoices should not be allowed to disrupt services,” she emphasised.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
Gauteng Health Department intervenes to restore cancer treatment
Province
