Gauteng Health MEC, Hope Papo welcomes the arrest of two health officials who are suspected of selling Antiretroviral (ARV) medication to patients at Esselen Clinic in Hillbrow, Johannesburg.
The two officials were arrested following a six months investigation resulting from a tip-off by one of the patients.
The patient who blew a whistle reported that when they present at the clinic to collect their ARVs, the officials used to tell them that the clinic was running out of drugs. The patients were persuade to meet with the officials in public areas such as parks and restaurants where they will offer to sell the drugs to them at prices ranging from R50 to R100.
Condemning this criminal act, MEC Papo said, “ARV treatment is free to all patients in public health institutions. No one should be made to pay for them. Such incidents are alarming and cannot be allowed to continue. We urge community members to assist the department as well as the police in fighting this scourge.”
MEC Papo also encouraged public health users to speak out if they are not happy with the quality of care or service they have received. They must lodge their complaints with complaints managers based at all hospitals, the hospital Chief Executive Officer or Facility Managers in Clinics and Community Health Centres. Alternatively they can call the Gauteng Provincial hotline number 0860 0428 8364 or email: hotline@gauteng.gov.za
“All reported cases will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action will be taken against any healthcare worker who will be found to have treated patients inhumanly. Knowing the challenges in facilities also helps when improvement plans are drawn as those areas of concern are prioritised,” said MEC Papo.
MEC Papo would also like to commend all those who were involved in the investigation as well as the arrest of these two health officials. The two men who are facing charges of theft and possession of prescribed medicine will appear at Hillbrow Magistrate Court today.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
