Gauteng MEC for Health, Ms Qedani Mahlangu has seriously condemned theft of patients files at public health facilities across the province. This follows the arrest of two suspects on Saturday, 24 September 2016, the male is a tauter, and a female works for Alexandra Forbes based at the Christ Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. The suspects were found in possession of patients files related to Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) for the purpose of claiming from Road Accident Fund (RAF).
Commenting on the matter during a press briefing earlier today, MEC Mahlangu said: “We would like to thank the patient who was vigilant and alerted the hospital about a tauter who wanted to assist him with a claim at RAF. He cooperated with the hospital and as a result about four files were found from the said Alexandra Forbes employee who works at Chris Hani Baragwanath on a project”
“We also want to reveal that about seven files are missing at the hospital. Our concern is to establish how these files were taken out of the hospital. Hospital security must be upgraded and all vehicles must be thoroughly searched always and management will have to take a swift decision on our employees”.
The department has launched an internal investigation into the matter. The department is also in the process of improving the electronic information system in all public health facilities.
“We wish to call upon, members of the public to be vigilant at all times and work with hospital officials on their information, and not rely on outsiders. The MVA section will be temporarily closed to prepare for internal investigation, we apologise for the inconvenience,” added MEC Mahlangu.
A case of theft and possession of stolen goods has been opened at the Diepkloof South African Police Station. Suspects are out on bail. For more information on the Police investigation, enquiries should be directed to South African Police Services.
Enquiries:
Spokesperson
Steve Mabona
Cell: 072 574 3860
