Question NW1303 to the Minister of Health
19 May 2023 - NW1303
Tafeni, Ms N to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What number of hospitals have reported cable theft to date, (b) what is the name of each hospital that reported theft of cables, (c) what action has he taken to respond to the security concern raised over cable theft and its possible consequences, (d) by what date will he intervene on the matter and (e) what preventative measures will be put in place to avoid cable theft from happening in future?
Reply:
a) The National Department of Health is still waiting for the data from other provincial health departments. However, the Department has been informed by the Gauteng Department of Health about the stolen cables at Charlotte Maxeke, Steve Biko and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospitals. To date, only 9 Hospitals were reported for cable theft in the Free State Province.
b) Hospitals that have been reported for cable theft are listed below:
- Bongani hospital (Welkom)
- Boitumelo hospital (Kroonstad)
- Thebe hospital (Harrismith)
- Mohumadi Manapo hospital (Qwa Qwa)
- Elizabeth Ross hospital (Qwa Qwa)
- National hospital (Bloemfontein)
- Universitas hospital (Bloemfontein)
- JS Maroka hospital (Thaba Nchu)
- Mohau hospital (Hoopstad)
c) All the cable theft incidents were reported to the nearest police stations and case numbers were issued accordingly. Mast lights have been installed at various facilities; Manned security was instructed to patrol areas that were identified as high-risk areas for cable theft.
d) All the affected facilities were attended to by replacing the stolen cables during 2022/23 financial year.
e) The Free State Department of Health is planning to employ more security personnel to facilities that are high risk areas. Key interventions also include installations of Clearview fencing and CCTV at health facilities.
END.