Gauteng province has set side R5,8 billion for the rollout of the anti-retroviral drugs, said Finance MEC, Mandla Nkomfe on Tuesday.
“The prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS has necessitated that we become more radical in our approach. We are expanding the rollout of the anti-retroviral drugs through the opening of more facilities,” said Nkomfe.
He noted that this amount would further be complemented by the improved implementation of the HIV and AIDS workplace programme within Gauteng provincial departments.
Nkomfe allocated R6 billion to primary healthcare, noting that it was very critical in improving the health status of communities.
“Part of the initiatives to be implemented during this period includes the extension of operating hours of the public primary healthcare facilities throughout the province,” he said, adding that it will also be used to improve queue and pharmacy management.
This, according to Nkomfe will result in communities making use of community based primary healthcare facilities 24 hours as part of ensuring that healthcare system works effectively.
Furthermore, R6,3 billion has been allocated to health infrastructure while R2,1 billion has been given to emergency medical services. This amount includes refurbishment of the existing and new emergency medical services facilities. This will reduce call-response time and further provide quality services during the 2010 FIFA World Cup event and beyond.
The total amount of money allocated to the Department of Health and Social Development is R22 237 371 billion. Other departments have been allocated as follows out of the provincial budget of R60,8 billion in 2010/11:
* Education: R22,485,539
* Office of The Premier: R200,336
* Gauteng Legislature: R294,408
* Economic Development: R1,084,655
* Housing and Local Government: R4511,575
* Roads and Transport: R6,178,849
* Community Safety: R369,940
* Agriculture and Rural Development: R444,373
* Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation: R337,928
* Finance: R1,496,433
* Infrastructure: R1,213,239
Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
5 March 2010
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gautengonline.gov.za/)
