The department recently hosted a progressive stakeholder engagement session with trade unions, portfolio committee and municipal representatives at the East London Health Resource Centre.
The aim of the session was to give feedback to these stakeholders on the state of healthcare in the province and the progress made by the department so far. Superintendent-General (SG), Dr Siva Pillay told of how the department had a R2,8 billion deficit now currently projected at R800 million.
“The figure could decrease if we manage to recover monies through Resources Operational Project Task Team (HROPT), according to a report by the Auditor-General, the department is rated as the most improved”, the SG said. Honourable MEC, Sicelo Gqobana commended the workers and said they made it possible to turn the situation of the department around, they also made it possible for the department to expose corruption and malpractices.
“Together we have managed to deal with serious issues, much as there is still a long way to go, these workers have helped the department to focus on its core business”, the MEC said. The MEC also made a mention of how advantageous it is to create a conducive working environment for people to maximise their potential. “Part of my responsibility as a leader is to inculcate a sense of working together and as well as to change attitudes in the public service”, he said.
“Also encouraging is that all nurses are ready to go to the wards and districts to reduce our shortfalls in primary health”. The MEC said.
Eastern Cape Department of Education engages with stakeholders in East London
Province
