In an effort to prevent further theft of baby milk formula from clinics in Gauteng, the Department of Health and Social Development will conduct random spot checks at all its depots in the province.
The first spot check was carried out at the Hillbrow Community Health Centre after reports of shortage of the formula last month. It was discovered that almost 40 000 tins of baby milk formula worth more than a million rand were unaccounted for.
Suspecting that a syndicate could be involved, police were subsequently informed resulting in the arrest of a shop owner in Marlboro north of Johannesburg yesterday. The suspect, who has since been released on bail, was found with more than 30 000 tins of the formula.
MEC for Health and Social Development, Qedani Mahlangu, has welcomed the move and the arrest of the suspect. She said the department working together with the South African Police Service would make sure that those involved are brought to book.
"The process of monitoring the stock of baby formula is continuous and should it reveal that our staff members are participants in the syndicate, disciplinary measures which may lead to dismissal would be taken against them," said MEC Mahlangu.
"Criminal charges will also be laid against staff members who are suspected of stealing baby formula meant for the vulnerable," she added.
Reacting to reports that charges against an Aids counsellor who allegedly sold the baby formula to HIV positive mothers at Chiawelo clinic in Soweto were dropped, the MEC has called on non-governmental organisation contracted by the department to cooperate with the district managers in putting in place measures to ensure that such incidence do not occur in future.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 083 602 6169
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
12 June 2009
