Gauteng Health cuts threaten patients` lives – DA – POLITICS

The Gauteng Department of Health has cut the budget for goods and services for this financial year by R780 million. The budget cuts will affect medicine, consumables, and laboratory services.

It is negligent that the services that largely determine the quality of health care and customer satisfaction are reduced. Patients’ access to medicine, laboratory services, and consumables at public hospitals will be affected by budgetary constraints, which shows a total lack of commitment to quality health care.

This shortsighted move flies in the face of the principle of efficient utilisation of resources as required by the Auditor General (AG).

This department has had to consistently defend itself against allegations of mismanagement, criminal negligence, and corruption. This budgetary cut lends credence to the view that the department is, in fact, a threat to the well-being of Gauteng residents.