Questions to Ministers

15 September 2022 - NW2712

Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health

With reference to the Mid-level Health Care Programme, which is centred around the creation of the clinical associates position that was established by the SA National Department of Health in 2008 to assist with the availability of health care professionals in rural communities, what has he found to be the success rate of deploying more doctors to rural communities in need?

Source
Link

Reply:

Section 52 of the Health Act (Act No. 61, National Health Act, 2003) makes provision for the Minister of Health to make regulations regarding human resources within the national health system in order to create new categories of health care personnel to be educated or trained and thereby mitigate the impact of human resources for health (HRH) shortages.

The Clinical Associate category was introduced by the National Department of Health in 2007, to increase access to healthcare, primarily in district hospitals by extending the capacity of the health team. The main objective in developing this cadre of health worker was to improve access to health care to all sectors of the population irrespective of their geographical location. Hence the majority of Clinical Associates work in the public sector at primary care level in district hospitals and Community Health Centres.

Deployment of doctors in rural and underserved communities is supported and enhanced by the Government’s Community Service Policy that effectively compels graduates seeking registration with the HPCSA as independent practitioners for the first time to have completed one (1) year of community service. The policy makes provision for placement of graduates in facilities based on service needs.

END.

15 September 2022 - NW2705

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(a) What has he found to be the impact of (i) health care and (ii) health care services on the patients at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital due to underfunding that was caused historically and never rectified and (b) by what date will this be rectified?

Source
Link

Reply:

a) Impact of (i) health care (ii) health care services

Impact on Infrastructure: Limited budget does not allow for extension and refurbishment of service areas according to the hospital needs and statutory requirements. This leads to recurrent breakages which leads to service interruptions e.g. boilers are old and difficult to repair; this impact negatively on theatre outputs, availability of linen for patients, steam availability for the kitchen operations etc.

Impact on the service offerings package: Limited budget continues to impact negatively on immediate access to needed tertiary care e.g. Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital patients that require radiation therapy are referred to CMJAH and patients who require cardiac surgery are referred to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital for treatment.

Impact on Compensation of employees: due to limited funding for compensation of employees there are services that remain limited but are required for example, some of the beds in ICU cannot be used, this limits the availability of ICU beds for patients from the hospital and other facilities within the cluster.

There are vacant posts that are not funded due to limited budget. This has resulted in the delay or no activation of services that are needed such as additional theatres that could be assisting in addressing some of the surgical backlogs

b) By what date will this be rectified?

Annually the management has continued to present the budget requirements to the provincial budget bilateral committee. No additional funding was allocated

Remedial intervention for staffing challenge: The Gauteng DOH Provincial Office is currently reviewing the hospital staff establishment.

The date for rectification of underfunding for Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital cannot be determined at facility level

END.

15 September 2022 - NW2629

Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health

(a) Will she furnish Mrs E R Wilson with a list of all the public hospitals in each province in which a fire broke out and/or was recorded (i) in the (aa) 2019-20, (bb) 2020-21 and (cc) 2021-22 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2022 and (b) what are the details thereof in each case?

Source
Link

Reply:

The information is as follows, according to the Provincial Departments of Health:

Province	Name of the hospital	(i) in the (aa) 2019/20,	(bb) 2020/21	(cc) 2021/22	(ii) since 1 April 2022	(b) what are the details thereof in each case?
Free State	Universitas Academic Hospital	2020	-	-	-	A cigarette smoked in the male public toilet at the waiting area at Ward 3 was the cause of fire. A side window in the toilet was forced open by damaging the locking rivets which secure the window always closed. The cigarette butt was thrown out of the window and landed on the shaft floor. It ignited some old toilet paper and hand towels. The fire was extinguished immediately. The fire extinguishers and fire hydrants are always serviced.
	Botshabelo District Hospital	-	-	January 2022	-	Laundry caught fire. The building was refurbished and the whole electrical cabling was replaced. The Institution is expecting the delivery of the new Laundry Machines which were affected by the fire.
	Thebe District Hospital	-	-	-	July 2022	Fire incident took place at the back of Thebe District Hospital near the Bulk Oxygen Cylinders. Veld fires came from the west side of the hospital in the afternoon. The firefighters were called but never reached due to unavailability of vehicles. The hospital staff used fire extinguishers and hose reels to stop the fire. The Senior Administration Officer was made aware of the situation and promised to maintain the grass short and pave around the oxygen tank in the next financial year.
	Phekolong/Nketoana District Hospital Complex					Nketoana District Hospital experienced fire in the storeroom that is situated outside the Hospital main building. It had equipment destined for disposal and stationery that was not in use.
	Albert Nzula Hospital				May 2022	Fire incident at the accommodation site
Gauteng	Carletonville	-	-	February 2021	-	Fire at Carletonville destroyed medical equipment and PPE
	Charlotte Maxeke	-	-	April 2021	-	Charlotte Maxeke Hospital caught fire medical and surgical consumables destroyed and the infrastructure destroyed
	Steve Biko Academic	-	-	-	May 2022	Fire at Steve Biko started at the Wendy house used for the storage of the medical waste
	Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic	-	-	-	June 2022	Fire at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic hospital started in the open space near the COVID-19 tents and was extinguished.
KwaZulu Natal	Nkandla	-	-	18 June 2021	-	Fire caused damages to the Office of the CEO, entrance to OPD and zonal matron’s office. Doors and expander gates and ceiling were damaged in all areas.
	Hlabisa			13 January 2021		Hlabisa hospital psychiatry unit caught fire. The door, shower curtain was damaged and electric wires melted.
Limpopo	FH Odendaal	-	-	04 May 2021	-	The COVID -19 unit burnt and there were two casualties and one among them was a prisoner under guard. The whole cubicle damaged completely.
	Ellisrus	-	-	17 June 2021	-	A fire broke out in the Occupational therapy toilet. The fire was put out and the damage was insignificant, and the building was declared safe for occupation.
	Hellen Franz	-	February 2020	-	May 2022	One incident of fire in Maternity Block which also damaged the Clinic and part of maternity (1 roofed building) took place in February 2020. One incident of Fire in May 2022. Faulty UV light caught fire in Allied block, but it was contained.
	WF Knobel	-	-	-	August 2022	Fire broke outside the hospital in August 2022 at around 16h30 and was extinguished by colleagues Working on Fire.
Mpumalanga	No hospitals	-	-	-	-	N/A
Northern Cape	No report
Northwest	No report
Western Cape	Worcester Hospital	September 2019	-	-	-	Fire took place due to the failure of electrical equipment in the substation. Municipal main supply was re-instated within 72 hours.
	Tygerberg Hospital	September 2019	-	-	-	A notice board caught fire due to substation failure. Damage was limited to a small section of flooring and wall in the Adult Psychiatric Out-Patient Clinic.
	Mitchells Plain CHC	September 2019	-	-	-	Fire started in the theatre section due to an electrical fault but was quickly extinguished.
	Caledon Hospital	-	-	April 2021	-	Fire damaged adjacent rooms and the efforts of the fire department resulted in additional water damage. The said ward was fully restored and was fully operational within a fortnight. The service was not adversely affected, and patients were accommodated in other wards in the hospital.
	Vredendal Hospital	-	-	-	May 2022	A patient set fire to the mattress and bed. The damage was assessed as: a. The ward where the patient had been who allegedly had started the fire is very severely damaged b. The adjacent passageway and wards have smoke damage but were not directly damaged by the fire c. The water used to extinguish the fire also did some damage to e.g., the floors. d. Furniture and equipment were coated with soot but not physically damaged The COVID “field ward” which had been constructed during one of the worse waves of the epidemic – the old boiler room was converted to accommodate patients from the affected ward.

END.

15 September 2022 - NW2550

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What (a) is the amount outstanding for accruals within the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and (b) service providers have not been paid within the 30 days’ requirement; (2) what total number of contracts of service providers have not been renewed; (3) referring to the current issue in terms of food supply at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, (a) did this occur due to the contracts of the service providers not being renewed and (b) what is the status quo related to the specified service providers currently?

Source
Link

Reply:

1. (a) The outstanding accruals as at 31/7/2022: R178,410,428

(b) Service providers have not been paid within the 30 days requirement. 30 Day compliance was at 74% as per attached spreadsheet

2. Number of contracts of service providers

Contract renewal is a competency of the Province and National Treasury.
Contract for chicken, red meat, fish are awarded.
Contract for groceries is extended
Some contracts for major medical equipment (diagnostic) are not finalised.

3. (a) The issue of shortage of supply of bread was not arise as the matter of contract not being renewed, the non-delivery of bread was due to non-payment of the supplier by the department.

(b) Due to non-availability of the Provincial contract for supply and delivery of bread, the Hospital arranged their own contract within the financial delegations of the CEO. Currently there are no challenges with supply and deliveries for bread.

END.

15 September 2022 - NW2474

Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What (a) is the current backlog of surgeries in all government hospitals, (b) types of surgeries are in the backlog, (c) is the period and/or duration of each type of backlog and (d)(i) actions are being put in place to eradicate the backlog and (ii) are the timeframes in this regard; (2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

Source
Link

Reply:

Surgeries are conducted at facility level and the information is also collected at these facilities. The Provincial Departments of Health provided the information as follows for all hospitals with backlogs

a) Table 1 below provides total number of backlogs on surgeries.

Province	Total number of backlogs on surgeries
Eastern Cape	5373
Free State	2947
Gauteng	13433
KwaZulu Natal	17906
Limpopo	45690
Mpumalanga	3005
Northwest	5531
Northern Cape	4000
Western Cape	77139

The information above and provided for the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Northwest, Northern Cape and Western Cape was last updated in the past two (2) months. These Provinces had not updated their information at the time of requesting it for this response and have been requested to do so. Only Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga were able to provide updated information.

Eastern Cape Province	Hospital Name	(b)Surgery Discipline	(c) Duration of backlog
	Nelson Mandela Academic Livingstone Port Elizabeth Provincial Frere Hospital Cecilia Makiwane Dora Nginza Frontier	Orthopaedics	Not specified
		Obstetrics and Gynaecology	Not specified
		General Surgery	Not specified
		Ophthalmology	Not specified
		Urology	Not specified
		Plastic Surgery	Not specified
		Paediatric surgery	Not specified

Eastern Cape Province

(d)(i) What actions are being put in place to eradicate the backlog?

(d)(ii) What are the timeframes in this regard?

Optimising Efficiency

Moratorium on elective surgery was lifted in 2021

Monthly monitoring of the waiting period

The hospitals have rescheduled all non-emergency operations

Providing theatre services during the weekends and extended hours to reduce backlogs

Cannot be pre-determined as prioritization is done in terms of urgency, status of the patient and surgical procedure to be conducted.

Free State Province	Hospital Name	(b)Surgery Discipline	(c) Duration of backlog
	Manapo Universitas Pelonomi Bongani Boitumelo Dihlabeng	Orthopaedics	3 months to 4years
		Obstetrics and Gynaecology	8 months
		General Surgery	3 to 8 months
		Opthalmology	3 years
		Urology	6 months
		Plastic Surgery	8 months
		Cardio Thoracic	6 months
		Oncology	Not specified

Free State Province

(d)(i) What steps have been taken to deal with the backlogs

(d)(ii) What are the timeframes in this regard?

Optimising Efficiency

Monthly monitoring of waiting period.

Marathons arranged if department notices backlog

Patient education to ensure patients show up for appointments

A team on call for emergency theatres

Sometimes using theatre at private hospitals

Increase of theatre time

Prioritizing according to severity or quality of life

Conducting Blitz over weekends

Outreach to district hospitals.

Human Resource

Recruitment of additional staff

Cannot be pre-determined as prioritization is done in terms of urgency, status of the patient and surgical procedure to be conducted.

Gauteng Province	Hospital Name	(b)Surgery Discipline	(c) Duration of backlog
	Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic hospital, Charlotte Maxeke Academic hospital, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital, Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital	Orthopaedics	2 weeks to 7 years
		Obstetrics and Gynaecology	2 weeks to 2 years
		General Surgery	2 weeks to 2 years
		Paediatric Surgery	3 weeks to 1 year
		Opthalmology	6 months to 1 year
		Urology	1 month to 1 year
		Plastic Surgery	3 months to 2 years
		Neurosurgery	3 weeks to 3 months
		ENT	2 weeks to 9 months
		Cardio Thoracic	3 to 6 months
		Maxillo Facial	Not specified

Gauteng Province

(d)(i) What steps have been taken to deal with the backlogs

(d)(ii) What are the timeframes in this regard?

Optimising Efficiency

District outreach surgical teams provide services once a week per quarter and spent time in a district conducting various surgeries using all hospitals (Rural Health Matters campaign).

A team of volunteers (orthopaedics and anaesthetics) from other provinces form part of the outreach teams.

Introduce electronic theatre booking system

Re-purposed COVID wards to increase post-operative care space

Dedicate specific “catch-up” days e.g., surgical cataract.

Rescheduling of elective surgeries; Planning to increase High Care Unit beds.

Human Resources

Theatre has fourteen (14)posts recruitment activated 4 vacant consultant posts and 6 registrar post (Maternity) and 4 vacant medical officer posts (Interviewed April and awaiting appointment).

Appointed a dedicated clinical Manager to oversee all 46 theatre efficiencies.

Beefing up of human resource through sessional appointments for specialists and nursing agencies for nurses.

Through the National Health Insurance Grant, public patients are taken to accredited private service providers (hospitals) where surgery is conducted as part of addressing the surgical backlog.

Infrastructure, Maintenance And Equipment

Renovation of theatres to increase the number of functional theatres.

Contractors sourced to repair and maintain tunnel washers

Contractor appointed for repair and maintained autoclaves

Cannot be pre-determined as prioritization is done in terms of urgency, status of the patient and surgical procedure to be conducted.

KwaZulu Natal Province	Hospital Name	(b)Surgery Discipline	(c) Duration of backlog
	Madadeni Hospital King Edward Hospital RK Khan Hospital Ngwelezana Hospital Port Shepstone Regional Murchison Hospital GJ Crookes Hospital Grey’s Hospital Harry Gwala Regional Hospital Northdale Hospital Manguzi Hospital Mosvold Hospital Ladysmith Regional Hospital	Orthopaedics	6 months to 2 years
		Obstetrics and Gynaecology	3 to 6 months
		General Surgery	6 months to 1 year
		Urology	12 months to 3 years
		Plastic Surgery	Not specified
		Neurosurgery	Not specified
		ENT	6 months to 1 year

KwaZulu Natal

(d)(i) What actions are being put in place to eradicate the backlog?

(d)(ii) What are the timeframes in this regard?

Optimising Efficiency

Catch up has been done by increasing theatre times

Elective slates done over the weekend to catch up. Camps have also been planned

Increase theatre times

Use after hours to reduce backlog

Elective theatre slates run even after hours

Electives commenced in 2021

Emergencies are given priority

Maximum utilization of theatres with added slates on weekends.

Weekend camps are planned

The hospital is increasing theatre time. Additional days added

Weekend cataract camps held to reduce the backlog

Additional half day theatre planned for every Thursday

No waiting for emergencies or malignancies as these were all done under emergency slates. No new dates given but electives are called back according to priority and bed availability.

For Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) procedures i.e., endoscopy and colonoscopy- are limited to emergencies only, e.g., GI bleeds, malignancy and selected elective cases after discussion with a specialist.

There is a plan to conduct a marathon (i.e., Request for two theatres to do only elective cases)

Theatre time increased

Cannot be pre-determined as prioritization is done in terms of urgency, status of the patient and surgical procedure to be conducted.

Limpopo Province	Hospital Names	(b)Discipline	(c) Duration of backlog
	Groblersdal Jane Furse Mecklenburg Philadelphia Mokopane, Philadelphia St Ritas Letaba, Van Velden Dr CN Phatudi Kgapane Nkhensani Maphuta Malatji Thabazimbi Lephalale George Masebe Witpoort Bela-Bela Voortrekker FH Odendaal Botlokwa Helen Franz Seshego Lebowakgomo Thabamoopo WF Knobel Zebediela Tshilidzini Elim Donald Frazer Siloam Malamulele Messina Mankweng Pietersburg	Orthopaedics	12 months to 2 years
		Obstetrics and Gynaecology	6 to 12 months
		General Surgery	12 months
		Opthalmology	4 years
		Urology	12 months
		Plastic Surgery	12 months
		Neurosurgery	5 years
		ENT	6 months
		Maxillo Facial	12 months

Limpopo Province

(d)(i) What steps have been taken to deal with the backlogs

(d)(ii) What are the timeframes in this regard?

Optimising Efficiency

Groups of in-house specialists and volunteers from other provinces visit a district at a time to conduct elective surgeries in obstetrics and Gynaecology

(hysterectomy), general surgery (mastectomy and thyroidectomy every quarter

From May 2022, monthly outreach services under the theme "Rural Health Matters" for urology (prostrate and hydrocoele), orthopaedic (hip replacement and knee surgery), Paediatric, maxillo-facial and cataract extraction

Specific month's focus is the Programme from 13th- 21st August 2022 in Waterberg District where 428 surgeries conducted.

Human Resources

Through the National Health Insurance Grant, public patients are taken to accredited private service providers (hospitals) where surgery is conducted as part of addressing the surgical backlog.

Cannot be pre-determined as prioritization is done in terms of urgency, status of the patient and surgical procedure to be conducted.

Mpumalanga Province	Hospital Name	(b)Surgery Discipline	(c) Duration of backlog
	Rob Ferreira Witbank Mapulaneng Themba Ermelo	Orthopaedics	3 to 6 months
		Obstetrics and Gyanaecology	2 to 3 months
		General Surgery	2 months
		Opthalmology	3 to 9 months
		Urology	Not specified
		ENT	Not specified

Mpumalanga

(d)(i) What steps have been taken to deal with the backlogs

(d)(ii) What are the timeframes in this regard?

Optimising Efficiency

Orthopedic surgeries are also conducted on weekends,

Cataract increased theatre times to two days per week,

Operationalization the 7 theatres and 2 emergency theatres,

Allocation of an extra theatre per department and increase the theatre time,

Developed and implementing marathons over weekends,

Increased outreach to districts

Human Resources

Headhunting a second Orthopedic Surgeon for the Province, and an Ophthalmologist has commenced

A plan for a planned Orthopaedic Marathon is in process,

Month of October planned for Ophthalmology marathon.

Recruitment processes for General Surgeon is also underway

Cannot be pre-determined as prioritization is done in terms of urgency, status of the patient and surgical procedure to be conducted.

Northern Cape Province	Hospital Name	(b)Surgery Discipline	(c) Duration of backlog
	Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe	Orthopaedics	2 days to 3 months
		Obstetrics and Gyanaecology	Not specified
		General Surgery	Not specified
		Opthalmology	2 to 3 years
		Urology	8 months to 1 year
		Plastic Surgery	Not specified
		ENT	Not specified
		Maxillo Facial	Not specified

Northern Cape Province

(d)(i) What actions are being put in place to eradicate the backlog?

(d)(ii) What are the timeframes in this regard?

Optimising Efficiency

The suspension of non -emergency cases was lifted in 2021

The tertiary hospitals conduct outreach service where minor orthopaedic operations in the district hospitals are performed (Upington, ZK Matthews and De Aar)

Human Resources

Recruitment of specialists, especially anaesthetists

Cannot be pre-determined as prioritization is done in terms of urgency, status of the patient and surgical procedure to be conducted.

Northwest Province	Hospital Name	(b)Surgery Discipline	(c) Duration of backlog
	Klerksdorp/Tshepong Job Shimankana Tabane Mafikeng Provincial Joe Morolong Memorial Potchefstroom	Orthopaedics	3 years
		Obstetrics and Gynaecology	6 months
		General Surgery	6 months
		Urology	6 months
		ENT	6 months
		Opthalmology	7 months

Northwest Province

(d)(i) What actions are being put in place to eradicate the backlog?

(d)(ii) What are the timeframes in this regard?

Optimising Efficiency

Implementation of surgical blitz

Providing theatre services during the weekends and extended hours to reduce backlogs

Utilization of all available theatres to improve efficiency

Human Resources

Public/Private partnership where it is feasible

Cannot be pre-determined as prioritization is done in terms of urgency, status of the patient and surgical procedure to be conducted.

Western Cape Province	Hospital Name	(b)Surgery Discipline	(c) Duration of backlog
	Alan Blyth Hospital Beaufort West BreedeValey Caledon Ceres Citrusdarl Clanwilliam Eerste River False Bay George Groote Schuur Helderberg Hermanus Karl Bremer Khayelitsha Knysna Laingsburg Mitchells Plain Montagu Mossel Bay Murraysburg New Somerset Otto du Plessis Oudtshoorn Paarl Prince Albert Red Croos War Memorial Children Riversdale Robertson Stellenbosch Swartland Swellendam Tygerburg Victoria Vredenburg Vredendal Wesfleur Worcester	Orthopaedics	Backlogs on elective surgery have been building up over the past (two)2 and a half year due to the COVID pandemic. There is not a set waiting list being kept for elective theatre lists. Patients are booked 6 months in advance as well as according to capacity. They are also constantly being reviewed.
		Obstetrics and Gyanaecology
		General Surgery
		Opthalmology
		Urology
		Plastic Surgery
		Neurosurgery
		Oncology

Western Cape Province

(d)(i) What actions are being put in place to eradicate the backlog?

(d)(ii) What are the timeframes in this regard?

Optimisation of Efficiency

The province allocated an additional R 20 million from internal prioritization of funds to deal with backlogs.

The Province is also increasing day surgery activities as far as possible, and this will assist us in dealing with backlogs

The Province also procured two (2) surgical robots at a cost of R 80 million, this will reduce the recovery time and allow patients to be discharged earlier.

Elective cases are being discussed with specialists as they present again.

Patients are booked 6 months in advance as well as according to capacity. They are also constantly being reviewed.

(2) No I will not make a statement on this matter.

END.

15 September 2022 - NW2438

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(a) What total number of senior posts are vacant in each province, (b) for what period have the specified posts been vacant and (c) by what date(s) will the posts be (i) advertised and/or (ii) filled?

Source
Link

Reply:

1. WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE: NO VACANT SENIOR POSTS.

2. LIMPOPO PROVINCE:

(a) There are Sixty Four (64) vacant SMS Posts.

(b) For what period have the specified posts been vacant – See table below:

NO	POST NAMES	POSTS WERE VACATED AS FOLLOWS	Period Posts Vacated
1.	HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT	2022/06/29	Less than 6 months
2.	DIRECTOR:FINANCIAL REGULATORY COMPLIANCE & REPORTING	2022/03/01	6 Months
3.	DIRECTOR: HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES	2020/09/11	2 Years
3.	DIRECTOR:PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMMES	2021/04/30	18 Months
4.	DIRECTOR:HEALTH CARE SUPPORT PROGRAMMES	2021/06/30	14 Months
5.	CHIEF DIRECTOR STANDARDS COMPLIANCE	2021/11/15	10 Months
6.	CHIEF DIRECTOR HEALTH SPECIAL PROGRAMMES	2021/08/31	12 Months
7.	DIRECTOR:HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT SUPPORT	2021/12/31
8.	DIRECTOR:DISTRICT HOSPITAL SERVICES	2021/05/31	9 Months
9.	DIRECTOR:LEGAL SERVICES	2020/01/31	More than 2 Years
10.	CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER	2021/06/17	14 Months
11.	DIRECTOR:MOTHER CHILD WOMEN'S HEALTH INTEGRATED	2021/04/30	16 Months
12.	CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER	2022/04/30	4 Months
13.	DIRECTOR:NURSING EDUCATION	2021/08/31	12 Months
14.	DEPUTY DIRECTOR PURCHASING MANAGEMENT	2019/04/30	More than 3 years
15.	DISTRICT EXECUTIVE MANAGER	2019/08/31	More than 2 years
16.	CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER	2021/03/01	17 Months
17.	CHIEF DIRECTOR: STRATEGIC PLANNING POLICY MONITOR	2022/05/31	3 Months
19.	DIRECTOR:SUPPLY CHAIN COMPLIANCE	2020/03/31	More than 2 Years
20.	CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER	2019/04/30
21.	DIRECTOR:HEALTH SPECIAL PROGRAMMES	2022/06/30

COMMENTS:

It should be noted that some of the SMS posts on the approved organizational structure were never filled. It should also be noted that the Department is in the process of reviewing its organizational structure and some posts will be abolished and some will be merged.

(c) by what date(s) will the posts be (i) advertised and/or (ii) filled?

COMMENTS:

It should be noted that other critical SMS posts will be filled in the next financial year (s) depending on the availability of funds.

Post Names	Number of Posts	Recruitment Status	To be filled in the current Financial Year
Chief Director: Strategic Planning	1	Advertised during August 2022	Yes
District Executive Manager: Sekhukhune District	1	Advertised during August 2022	Yes
Director Legal Services: Provincial Head Office	1	Advertised during August 2022	Yes
Director: Corporate Service: Vhembe District Office	1	Not Advertised as yet but post is approved by the Provincial Treasury for filling.	Yes
Director: HR Regulatory Compliance: Provincial Head Office	1	Advertised during August 2022	Yes
Director: Records Management	1	Advertised during August 2022	Yes
Chief Executive Officers: Letaba Hospital Thabamoopo Hospital	2	Advertised during August 2022	Yes
Director: Nursing Education and Services	1	Advertised during August 2022	Yes
Principal Nursing Education	1	Advertised during August 2022	Yes
Total	10

3. NORTH WEST PROVINCE

Vacant senior management Services (SMS) posts in the North West Department of Health are as follows;

Vacant SMS posts	Salary level	No of posts	Date post became vacant	Date of advertisement	Date of filling these posts
HIV Prevention & Support	13	1	18/06/2017	13/06/2021	01/10/2022
MEC Support	13	1	23/11/2021	N/A	N/A
Internal Control	13	1	31/10/2017	06/02/2022	01/10/2022
Demand & Acquisition	13	1	01/08/2022	11/09/2022	Three to 6 months after the advert.
Infrastructure Planning	13	1	30/06/2020	10/10/2021	01/11/2022
Human Resource Management	13	1	01/09/2022	11/09/2022	Three to 6 months after the advert.
CEO JST Hospital	14	1	01/01/2022	17/10/2021	01/09/2022
DDG: District Health Services	15	1	30/06/2020	16/05/2021	Will be re-advertised before end of October 2022
TOTAL		8

4. FREE STATE PROVINCE

Post Job Title Description	Institution	Salary Level	Vacant Date	Total Vacant	Practice Note 48. Submission validity as at 21 July 2022	Closing date/planned closing date	Planned filling date
Chief Financial Officer	Finance (Free State Department Of Health)	15	20210531	1	Submission for activation for 2022/2023 re-sent 31 August 2022	15-Aug-22	01-Dec-22

Director	Xhariep District Corporate & Health Support	13	20210331	1	Submission for activation for 2022/2023 re-sent 31 August 2022	30-Aug-21	01-Dec-22
Chief Executive Officer	Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Region Hosp (Phuthaditjha	13	20180401	1	Submission for activation for 2022/2023 re-sent 31 August 2022	19-Mar-21	01-Dec-23

TOTAL : 3

5. KWA-ZULU NATAL PROVINCE

#	COMPONENT DESCRIPTION	POST JOB TITLE DESCRIPTION	VACANT DATE	PERIOD VACANT IN YEARS	SALARY LEVEL	PROGRESS
	HO:BRANCH SPECIALISED SERVICES & CLINICAL SUPPORT	DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL:DC HEALTH SERVICES & INTER	2020/04/30	2.33	15	There are no funds to fill this post in the current financial year.
	HO:BR DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICES	CHIEF HEALTH OFFICER	2011/11/01	10.83	15
	INKOSI ALBERT LUTHULI CENTRAL HOSPITAL	CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER	2021/12/31	0.67	15	The advert closed on the 31st May 2022
	HO:CHIEF DIRECTORATE HR DEVELOPMENT PLANNING & OD	CHIEF DIRECTOR:HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT	2022/04/30	0.33	14	There are no funds to fill this post in the current financial year.
	HO: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IGR & ISC SERVICES	CHIEF DIRECTOR:CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IGR & ISC	2017/06/30	5.17	14
	HO:CHIEF DIRECTORATE CLINICAL SUPPORT	CHIEF DIRECTOR:NORTH EASTERN AREA	2019/10/01	2.92	14	The advert closed on the 08th July 2022
	HO:CHIEF DIRECTORATE STRATEGIC HEALTH PROGRAMMES	CHIEF DIRECTOR:HEALTH SERVICE DEVELOPMENT	2018/12/01	3.75	14
	HO:CHIEF DIRECTORATE NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASE	CHIEF DIRECTOR	2019/01/31	3.58	14	There are no funds to fill this post in the current financial year.
	HO: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY	CHIEF DIRECTOR:INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY	2021/06/18	1.20	14
	HO:DIRECTORATE LABOUR RELATIONS	DIRECTOR:LABOUR RELATIONS	2019/12/31	2.67	13	Assumption of duty anticipated on the 01st October 2022
	HO: HR STRATEGY AND PLANNING	DIRECTOR:HUMAN RESOURCE PLANNING	2019/11/01	2.83	13	There are no funds to fill this post in the current financial year.
	HO:DIRECTORATE E-HEALTH	DIRECTOR:TELEMEDICINE	2017/09/30	4.92	13
	HO:DIRECTORATE HIV&AIDS COMMUN,ADVOCACY&CAMP	DIRECTOR	2019/04/01	3.42	13	The advert closed on the 06th April 2022
	HO:DIRECTORATE PHC	DIRECTOR:PHC SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT	2019/12/31	2.67	13
	HO:DIRECTORATE NUTRITION	DIRECTOR:NUTRITION	2018/10/31	3.83	13	There are no funds to fill this post in the current financial year.
	HO:DIRECTORATE BUDGET PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT	DIRECTOR:BUDGET PLANNING DEVELOPMENT	2018/08/01	4.08	13	There are no funds to fill this post in the current financial year.
	HO:DIRECTORATE IT GOVERNANCE & PROJECT MANAGEMENT	DIRECTOR:INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY	2020/09/30	1.92	13
	HO:DIR:SERVICE CONDITIONS	DIRECTOR:HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT	2022/07/01	0.17	13	The advert closed on the 08th July 2022
	HO:FRAUD MNGMT SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS & INSPECTOR	DIRECTOR:SPECIAL INVESTIGATION	2019/07/01	3.17	13	There are no funds to fill this post in the current financial year.
	HO:DIR:ORGANISATIONAL RISK ASSURANCE AND MNGMT	DIRECTOR:INSTI SECURITY RISK MAN ANTI CORRUPTION	2022/08/01	0.08	13
	HO:DIRECTORATE SECURITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES	DIRECTOR	2019/02/01	3.58	13
	DIVISION:MEDICAL ORTHOTIC&PROSTHETIC SERVICES(MOP)	DIRECTOR:HOSPITAL SERVICE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT	2016/07/31	6.08	13
	HARRY GWALA: DISTRICT OFFICE	DIRECTOR:DISTRICT HEALTH OFFICE	2021/12/31	0.67	13
	GJGM REGIONAL HOSPITAL	CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER	2020/04/30	2.33	13	Advert closing 2022/09/23
	LADYSMITH HOSPITAL	CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER	2021/01/22	1.61	13	There are no funds to fill this post in the current financial year.

6. MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION	POST JOB TITLE DESCRIPTION	VACANT DATE	SALARY LEVEL	PROGRESS
DIRECTOR-GENERAL	HEAD OF DEPARTMENT	20211031	16	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022
DEPUTY DIRECTOR - GENERAL (FINANCIAL)	DDG: CFO	20220331	15	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022
CHIEF DIRECTORATE:FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT	CHIEF DIRECTOR: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT	20220331	14	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022
DIRECTORATE:FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING	DIRECTOR:FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING	20160301	13	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022
SD:LOGISTICS MNGMNT	DIRECTOR : SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT	20190901	13	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022
DIR:HR PRACT & ADMIN	DIRECTOR: HUMAN RESOURCE PRACTISES & ADMINISTR	2016	13	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022
CD:INTEGR HLTH PLAN	CHIEF DIRECTOR: INTERGRATED HEALTH PLANNING	2020	14	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022
DIR:RESEARCH&EPIDEM	DIRECTOR	NEVER FILLED	13	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022
DIRECTOR : INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY	DIRECTOR	20190401	13	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022
CD:CORPORATE SERVICE	DIRECTOR: SPECIAL PROJECTS	20200309	13	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022
SD:LEGISL&CONTRACTS	DIRECTOR: LEGAL SERVICES	NEVER FILLED	13	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022
CD:PRIM HLTH CARE	CHIEF DIRECTOR : PRIMARY HEALTH CARE	20210901	14	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022
DIR: MATERNAL HEALTH	DIRECTOR	NEVER FILLED	13	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022
DIR: MENTAL HEALTH	DIRECTOR	NEW POST AWAITING APPROVAL OF NEW STRUCTURE	13	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022
DIR: FORENSIC SERVICES	DIRECTOR	20190301	13	Advertised. Proposed assumption of duty 1 November 2022

TOTAL: 15

7. EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE

Vacant funded posts	Salary Level	Total Vacant	by what date(s) will the posts be (i) advertised	by what date(s) will the posts be and/or (ii) filled?
CEO’s for Mthatha & Frontier Regional Hospital	14	2	Post was advertise on the 14 January 2022	Proposed assumption of duty date: 01 November 2022
CEO’s for Livingstone & Frere Tertiary Hospital	14	2	Post was advertised on the 14 January 2022	Interviews are taking place on the 15 September, there after they are going to competency assessment. Proposed assumption of duty date: 01 November 2022
CEO for Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital	14	1	Post was advertised on the 14 January 2022	Shortlisting will take place on the 26 September. Proposed assumption of duty date: 01 December 2022
CEO for Tower Mental Hospital	14	1	30 September 2022	Proposed assumption of duty date: 01 December 2022
CEO for Tower Mental Hospital	14	1	30 September 2022	Proposed assumption of duty date: 01 December 2022
Director: Nursing	13	1	30 September 2022	Proposed assumption of duty date: 01 December 2022
Director: Internal Audit	13	1	30 September 2022	Proposed assumption of duty date: 01 December 2022
Director: Salary Administration	13	1	30 September 2022	Proposed assumption of duty date: 01 December 2022
Director: Legal Services	13	1	30 September 2022	Proposed assumption of duty date: 01 December 2022
Director: HRM	13	1	30 September 2022	Proposed assumption of duty date: 01 December 2022
Total		12

COMMENTS:

The selection process for CEOs for Mthatha & Frontier Hospital started on 18th – 22nd of July 2022 and interviews were on the 4th – 5th of August 2022. Recommended candidates are currently being subjected to competency assessments and personnel suitability checks are being concluded.

Shortlisting for Chief Executive Officers for Livingstone & Frere Tertiary Hospital is scheduled for the week of the 5th – 9th of September 2022.

8. NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

Job Title Description	Salary level	No of posts	Date post became vacant	Date of advert/filled
Deputy Director-General	15	1	20200831	post advertised by NC Office of the Premier
Chief Director: MEC Office	14	1	20191001	post to be filled in accordance with priority list as agreed upon with NC Provincial Treasury
Chief Director: Priority Programmes		1	20190801
Chief Director: CEO: Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital		1	20200901
Chief Director: District Health Services		1	20220131	post advertised with closing date 26 August 2022
Chief Director: Corporate Services		1	20210201	post advertised with closing date 05 August 2022
Chief Director: Provincial Hospital Services & EMS		1	20210831	post to be filled in accordance with priority list as agreed upon with NC Provincial Treasury
Chief Director: Strategic Planning & Analysis		1	20211001
Director: Office of the DDG	13	1	20160601
Director: Facility Planning and Maintenance		1	20160701
Director: Quality Assurance		1	20220601
Director: Rehabilitation		1	20220601
Director: Financial Accounting		1	20210727
Director: MCYWH		1	20170901	post was re-advertised
Director: Communicable Diseases		1	20170101	post to be filled in accordance with priority list as agreed upon with NC Provincial Treasury
Director: Human Resources Management		1	20191101
Director: Legal Services		1	20180831	post was advertised and interviews were conducted, submission for appointment in circulation
Total		17

9. GAUTENG PROVINCE

Response outstanding. It will be submitted once received.

END.

15 September 2022 - NW2717

Xaba, Mr N to ask the Minister of Health

What progress has his department made with regard to the transformation of the administration of digitising health records at local clinics and regional hospitals so that the administration is aligned with the commitment of digital transformation?

Source
Link

Reply:

1. The National Department of Health has developed the National Digital Health Strategy which is highlighting the high-level of outcomes towards Digital Health for South Africa. Note: That the implementation of the digital health strategic is delayed by 2 years as a result of the Departments involvement in the management of the COVID 19 Pandemic in the Country.

2. Four levels of technical maturity are defined in health information systems for patient records:

Level 1: Local paper based medical records

Level 2: Local Paper Based records with some IT Support

Level 3: a Centralised shared electronic health record with mixed mode local medical records (both paper based and electronic medical records

Level 4: a Fully integrated national shared Electronic Health record owns by the Patients with local Electronic Medical Records.

3. The aim is to work through a systematic process that would facilitate South Africa to be at the level 4 Maturity. The National Department of Health to date has focused on development and implementation of key building blocks essential for the level 4 maturity namely:

Within the ICT Technology and Hardware component

a) To date the National Department of Health in collaboration with Provincial Departments of Health have purchased and distributed 22 812 Desktop Computers to 3150 public health facilities (3089 PHC facilities and 61 Hospitals)

b) The National Department of Health has established a National Central Health Information Data Centre for the secured Digital Health Solutions and their respective datasets

c) The National Department of has established a Big Data Platform that uses 4IR technology – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to enable the management and matching of different datasets together with the development of data analytics and visualisation products

The following intervention has been focussed on for the development of the Digital Health Enterprise Architecture

d) The National Department of Health in partnership with the CSIR and wide consultation has developed the revised version of the Interoperability Normative Standards framework for Digital Health in South Africa. This framework provides for the set of norms and standards to be used for all Digital Patient Information Systems to allow for the sharing of data and linkages of different patient information solutions with the ultimate aim being the creation of one portable electronic health record.

e) The first phase of the South African Digital Health – Health Information Exchange has been developed. This technology provides a mediator between different software solutions to ultimately provide for the creation of shared and portable Electronic Health Records for the users of the Health System

With regards to software solutions:

f) To date the focus has been on the development and implementation of 2 of the 4 Identity Registry Software Solutions and Platforms required for the development of a shared Electronic Health Record for users of the Health Care System

User Registry:

g) The National Department of Health in partnership with the CSIR developed the Health Patient Registration System (HPRS). The purpose of the system is to standardise patient registration across all health facilities. A National patient registry has been created and will be the source of the NHI Beneficiary registry.

(i)The Health Patient Registration System assigns a unique Master Patient Index (MPI) to everyone registered on the system. This system as at 29 August 2022 has been installed in 3150 public health facilities (3089 PHC Facilities and 61 Hospitals). This solution is the authoritative source of all individual’s’ demographic and personal data. To date the demographic data of 63 241 201 individuals has been registered on the HPRS at the point of care since inception some people will have died and others left the country. The ability to do identity verification at the point of care is important for the authenticity of the data included on the system. During this financial year the department is commencing with the deployment of bio-metric identity verification at the point of care.

h) The Master Patient Index assigned by the HPRS to individuals is used as a catalyst for the development and implementation of the user’s Electronic Health Record, where the information about a patient from different information systems will be linked into one record for the patient. To this effect the HPRS has been linked with the laboratory test results system of NHLS. This functionality is being tested for implementation at PHC facilities in Ugu District in KZN, identified PHC facilities across all districts in Free State and PHC facilities in Gert Sibande district in Mpumalanga. Development has started for the use of the MPI with other systems such as the HIV and TB patient information systems as well as the SYNCH System which is the digital solution of the Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution Programme and an electronic pharmaceutical prescribing and dispensing systems. This initiative forms part of the preparatory work for the implementation of NHI.

An important enabler to ensure maximum impact for this initiative is access to continuous quality broadband connectivity. The department will continue to work with stakeholders in this space namely the Department of Post and Telecommunication services, ICASA, SA Connect and Mobile Telecommunication service providers to develop and implement appropriate solutions.

Health Establishment Registry:

i) NThe National Department of Health has developed the Master Health Facility Registry solution and platform. This registry is the authorative source of data for all health establishments in the country. The registry currently has the details of more than 40 000 health establishments (public and private) registered on the system. This solution assigned a unique identification number to each health establishment. All patient information systems will be required to use this Health Establishment User Identity and forms a non-negotiable component of the development of a share electronic health record.

END.

01 July 2022 - NW2415

Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health

What (a) total number of backlogs on surgeries do hospitals have across the Republic as a result of the delays caused by COVID-19 and (b) steps have been taken to deal with the backlogs?

Source
Link

Reply:

The Provincial Departments of Health provided the information as follows:

a) Table below

Province	Total number of backlogs on surgeries
Eastern Cape	5373
Free State	1923
Gauteng	13433
KwaZulu Natal	Waiting for response
Limpopo	4229
Mpumalanga	190
North West	5531
Northern Cape	Waiting for response
Western Cape	77139

Gauteng Province

Hospital Name

(b)What steps have been taken to deal with the backlogs

Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic hospital,

Charlotte Maxeke Academic hospital,

Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital,

Steve Biko Academic Hospital,

Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital,

Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital,

Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital

Chris Hani Baragwanath

There is a plan to purchase 1 boiler or convert existing ones from coal to gas

Contractors sourced to repair and maintain tunnel washers

Purchasing disposable linen to compensate for the shortfalls

Electronic theatre booking system

Contractor appointed for repair and maintained Autoclaves

Two additional gas sterilizers have been ordered

Appointing a dedicated clinical Manager to oversee all 46 theatre efficiencies

Washing linen outside (privately) or using Masakhane, Danswart, Edenvale Laundry services, etc.

From the local DID information, the plans are aligned with the presentation

Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital

District outreach surgical teams provide services once a week per quarter and spent time in a district conducting various surgeries utilising all hospitals (Rural Health Matters campaign).

A team of volunteers (orthopaedics and anaesthetics) from other provinces form part of the outreach teams.

Through the National Health Insurance Grant, public patients are taken to accredited private service providers (hospitals) where surgery is conducted as part of addressing the surgical backlog.

Dr George Mukhari Academic hospital

In- and outreach activities for procedures that can be done at a lower level of care will be planned once our Covid numbers are declining on a regular basis.

Surgical department’s theatre allocations have been reduced due to the shortage of staff. Surgical bookings and scheduled operations are cancelled, and the ones admitted are postponed and have to wait longer for their operations in the ward.

Theatre has 14 posts in-active: 4 vacant consultant posts and 6 registrar post (Maternity) and 4 vacant medical officer posts (Interviewed April and awaiting appointment).

Outreach is only done if the cluster hospital allocates the anaesthetist otherwise the bookings will be cancelled.

Steve Biko Academic hospital

Utilizing other facilities within the cluster for procedure appropriate to each hospital

Tembisa hospital

Resumed all Elective Surgery post COVID waves/ surge

Re-purposed and re-allocated COVID Theatre back to General surgery, and re-allocated a second theatre for Ophthalmology

We also re-purposed COVID wards to increase post-operative care space

Conducted Cataract Blitz for a week (25-29 October 2021) and achieved a total of 74 cataract operations

Allocated extra theatre on Fridays for Urology

Renovation of Burn’s Theatre to increase the number of functional theatres

Allocated an extra Community Service Medical Officer for Anaesthesia

Kalafong hospital

Dedicate specific “catch-up” days e.g., surgical cataract marathons in Ophthalmology.

Additional Orthopaedics list on Fridays.

Weekly Urology, ENT, Ophthalmology lists.

Optimization of theatre utilization in collaboration with cluster hospitals (Pretoria West District Hospital).

Constant supervision on change over times in between cases not to be more than 10 minutes, thereby improving the efficiency.

Rescheduling of elective surgeries; Planning to increase High Care Unit beds;

Beefing up of human resource through sessional appointments for specialists and nursing agencies for nurses.

Rahima Moosa Hospital

Theatre time allocating for the year organized in blitz weeks.

Workable additional plant to operate at Yusuf Dadoo and South Rand Hospital requires appointment of medical officers in surgery and anaesthesia for mobile teams to these institutions.

Limpopo Province

Hospital Name

(b)What steps have been taken to deal with the backlogs

Letaba,

Mokopane,

Philadelphia

St Ritas

Tshilidzini

Mankweng

Pietersburg

District outreach surgical teams provide services once a week per quarter and spent time in a district conducting various surgeries utilising all hospitals (Rural Health Matters campaign).

A team of volunteers (orthopaedics and anaesthetics) from other provinces form part of the outreach teams.

Through the National Health Insurance Grant, public patients are taken to accredited private service providers (hospitals) where surgery is conducted as part of addressing the surgical backlog.

Lists of patients are coordinated by the tertiary hospitals that have the overall information on patients that need surgery.

Mpumalanga Province

Hospital Name

(b)What steps have been taken to deal with the backlogs

Rob Ferreira

Witbank

Mapulaneng

Themba

Ermelo

The hospitals have rescheduled all non-emergency operations.

The suspension of operating non-emergency cases was lifted, and operations are back to normal.

Shortage of specialists however also contribute to the backlog.

The tertiary hospitals conduct outreach service where minor orthopaedic operations in the district hospitals are performed.

Northwest Province

Hospital Name

(b)What steps have been taken to deal with the backlogs

Klerksdorp/Tshepong

Job Shimankana Tabane

Mafikeng Provincial

Joe Morolong Memorial

Potchefstroom

Implementation of surgical blitz

Providing theatre services during the weekends and extended hours to reduce backlogs

Utilization of all available theatres to improve efficiency

Public/Private partnership where it is feasible

Free State Province

Hospital Name

(b)What steps have been taken to deal with the backlogs

Universitas

Pelonomi

Dihlabeng

Bongani

Monthly monitoring of waiting time

Marathons arranged if department notices backlog

Patient education to ensure patients show up for appointments

A team on call for emergency theatres

Sometimes using theatre at private hospitals

Recruitment of additional staff

Increase of theatre time

Prioritizing according to severity or quality of life

Conducting Blitz over weekends

Outreach to district hospitals

Eastern Cape Province

Hospital Name

(b)What steps have been taken to deal with the backlogs

Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital

Livingstone hospital

Port Elizabeth Provincial hospital

Frere Hospital

Cecilia Makiwane Hospital

Dora Nginza hospital

Frontier hospital

Western Cape Province

Hospital Name

(b)What steps have been taken to deal with the backlogs

Alan Blyth Hospital

Beaufort West

BreedeValey

Caledon

Ceres

Citrusdarl

Clanwilliam

Eerste River

False Bay

George

Groote Schuur

Helderberg

Hermanus

Karl Bremer

Khayelitsha

Knysna

Laingsburg

Mitchells Plain

Montagu

Mossel Bay

Murraysburg

New Somerset

Otto du Plessis

Oudtshoorn

Paarl

Prince Albert

Red Croos War Memorial Children

Riversdale

Robertson

Stellenbosch

Swartland

Swellendam

Tygerburg

Victoria

Vredenburg

Vredendal

Wesfleur

Worcester

Operations increased by dedicated budget increase and efficiency gains

KZN NATAL State Province

Hospital Name

(b)What steps have been taken to deal with the backlogs

Madadeni Hospital

King Edward Hospital

RK Khan Hospital

IALCH

Ngwelezana Hospital

Port Shepstone Regional

Murchison Hospital

GJ Crookes Hospital

Grey’s Hospital

Harry Gwala Regional Hospital

Northdale Hospital

Manguzi Hospital

Mosvold Hospital

Ladysmith Regional Hospital

Catch up has been done by increasing theatre times

Elective slates done over the weekend to catch up. Camps have also been planned

Increase theatre times

Use after hours to reduce backlog

Elective theatre slates run even after hours

Electives commenced in 2021

Emergencies are given priority

Maximum utilization of theatres with added slates on weekends.

Weekend camps are planned

The hospital is increasing theatre time. Additional days added

Weekend cataract camps held to reduce the backlog

Additional half day theatre planned for every Thursday

No waiting for emergencies or malignancies as these were all done under emergency slates. No new dates given but electives are called back according to priority and bed availability.

For GIT procedures i.e. endoscopy and colonoscopy- are limited to emergencies only, e.g. GI bleeds, malignancy and selected elective cases after discussion with a specialist.

There is a plan to conduct a marathon (i.e. request for 2 theatres to do only elective cases)

Theatre time increased

Information from NC still outstanding.

END.

01 July 2022 - NW2354

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Given that a few years ago the Tambo Memorial Hospital in Boksburg was deemed unfit for human habitation and an occupational health hazard, what are the reasons that the specified building is still being used; (2) whether he will furnish Ms H Ismail with the 2017 Health and Safety Report of the specified hospital; if not, why not; if so, by what date; (3) given that some portions of the hospital still have asbestos buildings and noting that the structural damages are worrisome, (a) how are the specified issues being addressed and (b) by what date will the hospital either (i) be moved to an alternative site and/or (ii) start with infrastructural maintenance projects?

Source
Link

Reply:

1. The province is aware of the bad infrastructural condition that the Tambo Memorial hospital is in and had embarked on a feasibility study with the intention of revitalizing the entire facility. Initially the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health (GPDOH) wanted to construct two new facilities, a 350 bed District Hospital, and 800 bed Tertiary Hospital respectively on different sites. However, the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) currently has no land (site) allocated for both facilities. Following the peer review meetings of July 2016, it was decided that the Tambo Memorial will now be a single 600 bed Regional Hospital, but no site was available. The Peer Review Committee in August 2017 proposed the decanting and diversion of critical services and demolish the existing facility to build on current site. The City of Ekurhuleni (COE) was tasked to assist with Identification of a suitable site. The City of Ekurhuleni was also requested to assist in identifying and donating any suitable nearby land (Around 30 000 and 40 000m2). During a meeting held between MEC of GDID and MEC of GPDOH on 14 June 2018, it was decided that this project will only proceed to construction once the financial position of the department improves.

2. There is an amount of R40 million that has been allocated under the Provincial Equitable Share funding for the Major Refurbishments of the facility as well as the OHS Compliance Services. This project is still on the early stages on planning.

3. In terms of the maintenance, there is also a maintenance and repairs project that is underway and has been allocated a budget of R13 million for 2022/23 financial year. Subsequent to that there is an allocation of R1 million that has been allocated for the installation of a 500kva generator which has already been installed on the 04/11/2021.

END.

01 July 2022 - NW2374

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Health

Whether, with reference to his reply to question 1457 on 13 May 2022, he has received the information from the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, on what date will he furnish Mr M S F de Freitas with the information?

Source
Link

Reply:

According to the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health, the tables below reflect the details in this regard:

1. With reference to the South Rand Hospital in (a) each of the past three financial years and (b) the current financial year, what was the (i) allocated budget and expenditure, (ii) average expenditure in each month for water, electricity, security and security services, food and catering services, maintenance and upgrades, cleaning services, medical, consumables and disposables and (iii)(aa) maximum bed capacity and (bb) average bed occupancy in each month;

2. what is the (a) staff complement currently in each department of the hospital and (b) total number of posts that are unfilled currently in each department?

(a) The tables below reflect the details in this regard.

(b) (iii) (aa) Maximum bed capacity of the hospital is 278.

(bb) Average bed occupancy is 60% because of reduced COVID-19 admissions.

(2) (a)-(b) The following table reflects the details in this regard.

Department	(a) Staff complement currently	(b) Posts that are unfilled
Executive Management	7	1
Administration Staff	76	3
Medical Staff	45	2
Clinical Support Staff	52	0
Nursing Staff	332	7
Support Services	137	2
Hospital Board members	5	0
Total	657	15

END.

01 July 2022 - NW2352

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

What (a) is the total number of hospitals in the Republic, (b)(i) number of the total number of hospitals have psychiatric units and (ii) percentage of the hospitals have psychiatric units (aa) nationally and (bb) provincially and (c) total number of beds are available for mental health patients (i) nationally and (ii) provincially, detailing a breakdown of such hospitals in each province?

Source
Link

Reply:

(a) 357;

b) According to the Provincial Departments of Health, Table 1 below reflects the situation in this regard.

(i) There are 44 hospitals that have psychiatric inpatient units.

(ii) (aa) 12.3% of hospitals that have psychiatric inpatient units nationally

(bb) The percentage of hospitals that have inpatient units provincially is shown below on Table 1.

Table 1:

Province	(a) total number of hospitals in the Republic	(b)(i) hospitals that have psychiatric units	*(b)(ii) Percentage of the hospitals that have psychiatric units (b/a 100)**
Eastern Cape	63	3	4.7%
Free State	31	2	6%
Gauteng	37	9	24.3%
Kwa-Zulu	72	10	14%
Limpopo	40	9	22,5%
Mpumalanga	29	3	10.3%
Northwest	19	2	10.5%
Northern Cape	14	0	0%
Western Cape	52	6	11.5%
South Africa	357	44	12.3%

(i) There are 14004 total number of beds are available for mental health patients and

(ii) Provincially as shown on the Table 2 below.

Table 2

Province	Total beds
Eastern Cape	1816
Free State	927
Gauteng	2478
KwaZulu-Natal	3028
Limpopo	1569
Mpumalanga	329
North West	1446
Northern Cape	344
Western Cape	2067
National Total	14004

1. EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE

(c) Hospital Name	Total number of beds are available for mental health patients
	Standalone Psychiatric Hospital	Designated Mental Health Inpatient Units	72hr Assessment Facilities
1. Cecilia Makiwane Hospital	-	50	-
2. Umthata Hospital	-	60	-
3. Dora Nginza Hospital	-	39	-
4. Elizabeth Donkin Psychiatric Hospital	163	-	-
5. Fort England	313	-	-
6. Komani	440	-	-
7. Tower	400	-	-
8. Mount Ayliff	-	-	2
9. Madzikane KwaZulu (Mary Theresa)	-	-	2
10. St Elizabeth	-	-	2
11. Holy cross	-	-	2
12. St Patrick	-	-	2
13. Canzibe	-	-	2
14. Bambisana	-	-	5
15. Taylor Bequest Hospital Matatiele)	-	-	12
16. St Lucy’s	-	-	2
17. Zitulele	-	-	2
18. Madwaleni	-	-	2
19. Tafalofefe	-	-	2
20. Bisho	-	-	32
21. Butterworth	-	-	2
22. Victoria	-	-	10
23. Fort Beaufort Provincial	-	-	2
24. S.S Gida	-	-	13
25. All Saints	-	-	2
26. Frontier	-	-	40
27. Hewu	-	-	10
28. Glengrey	-	-	23
29. Cala	-	-	2
30. Cofimvaba	-	-	2
40. Cradock	-	-	2
41. Empilisweni	-	-	8
42. Aliwal North	-	-	2
43. Nompumelelo	-	-	2
44. Settlers	-	-	28
45. Port Alfred	-	-	18
46. Midland	-	-	2
47. Andries Vosloo	-	-	2
48. Humansdorp	-	-	2
49. Dora Nginza	-	-	30
50. Uitenhage	-	-	40
51. Livingstone	-	-	40
Total	1316	149	351

2. FREE STATE PROVINCE

(c) Hospital Name	Total number of beds are available for mental health patients
	Standalone Psychiatric Hospital	Designated Mental Health Inpatient Units	72hr Assessment Facilities

1. Free State Psychiatric Complex	760	-	-
2. Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli	-	30	-
3. Boitumelo Hospital	-	47	-
4. Diamant district hospital	-	-	2
5. Embekweni district hospital	-	-	2
6. Stoffel Coetzee district hospital	-	-	2
7. Tromsburg/Albert Nzula hospital	-	-	2
8. Botshabelo district hospital	-	-	2
9. Dr J.S Moroka district hospital	-	-	2
10. Pelonomi regional hospital	-	-	2
11. National Hospital	-	-	12
12. Univesitas central hospital	-	-	0
13. Bongani regional hospital	-	-	18
14. Katlehong district hospital	-	-	2
15. Thusanong district hospital	-	-	2
16. Mohau district hospital	-	-	2
17. Winburg district hospital	-	-	2
18. Nala district hospital	-	-	2
19. Mafube district hospital	-	-	2
20. Parys district hospital	-	-	2
21. Metsimaholo (Fezi Ngubentombi)district hospital	-	-	10
22. Tokollo district hospital	-	-	2
23. Elizabeth Ross district hospital	-	-	2
24. Phekolong district hospital	-	-	2
25. Phutoloha district hospital	-	-	2
26. J.D Newberry district hospital	-	-	2
27. Thebe district hospital	-	-	2
28. Itemoheleng district hospital	-	-	2
29. Dihlabeng regional hospital	-	-	2
30. Nketoane district hospital	-	-	2
31. Mantsopa district hospital	-	-	2
32. Phumelela district hospital	-	-	2
Total	760	77	90

3. GAUTENG PROVINCE

Hospital Name	Total number of beds are available for mental health patients
	Specialized Psychiatric Hospital	Mental Health Inpatient Units	72hr Assessment Facilities

Weskoppies Hospital	732
Sterkfontein Hospital	585
Tara H. Moss Hospital	141
Cullinan Care & Rehabilitation Centre	300
Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital		165
Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital		40
Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital		48
Steve Biko Academic Hospital		20
Helen Joseph Tertiary Hospital		30
Tembisa Tertiary Hospital		30
Kalafong Tertiary Hospital			20
Leratong Regional Hospital		40
Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital		20
Kopanong District Hospital		30
Pholosong Regional Hospital			24
Tambo Memorial Regional Hospital			26
Mamelodi Regional Hospital			28
Sebokeng Regional Hospital			30
Jubilee District Hospital			50
Bheki Mlangeni District Hospital			30
South Rand District Hospital			32
Pretoria West District Hospital			15
Bertha Gxowa District Hospital			8
Carletonville District Hospital			8
Dr Yusuf Dadoo District Hospital			8
Odi District			12
Heidelberg District Hospital			6
Provincial total	1758	423	297

4. KWA ZULU-NATAL PROVINCE

(c) Hospital Name	Total number of beds are available for mental health patients
	Standalone Psychiatric Hospital	Designated Mental Health Inpatient Units	72hr Assessment Facilities

1. Ekuhlengeni	884	-	-
2. Fort Napier	370	-	-
3. Townhill	280	-	-
4. Umngeni	464	-	-
5. Umzimkhulu	320	-	-
6. King (Dinuzulu) George V	-	68	-
7. Ladysmith Hospital	-	10	-
8. Port Shepston Hospital	-	32	-
9. the St. Benedictine	-	-	15
30. GJ Crooks	-	-	8
31. Northdale	-	-	10
32. Edendale	-	15
33. Church of Scotland	-	-	20
34. Charles Johnson	-	-	17
35. Dr Prixley Ka Seme	-	26
36. Vryheid	-	-	15
37. Murchison Hospital	-	-	12
38. St Francis	-	-	16
39. Greytown Hospital	-	-	11
40. Estcourt	-	-	12
41. Stanger (General Justice Gizenga Mpanza)	-	20
42. Umphumulo	-	-	2
43. Addington	-		20
44. KE VIII	-	20
45. RK Khan	-	20
46. Prince Mshiyeni	-	25
47. Mahatma Gandhi	-	-	18
48. Wentworth	-	-	8
49. Madadeni	250
50. Hillcrest	-	-	10
51. Ngwelezane Hospital	-	30	-
Total	2568	266	194

5. LIMPOPO PROVINCE

(c) Hospital Name	Total number of beds available for mental health patients
	Standalone Psychiatric Hospital	Designated Mental Health Inpatient Units	72hr Assessment Facilities
1.Botlokwa	-	-	10
2.Mankweng	-	20
3.F W Knobel	-	-	2
4.Seshego	-	-	16
5.Lebowakgomo	-	-	19
6.Zebediela	-	-	4
7.Polokwane	-	-	10
8.Helena Franz	-	-	14
9.Thabamoopo	500	-
10.C N Phathudi	-	-	10
11.Evuxakeni	354	-
12.Kgapane	-	-	14
13.Letaba	-	40
14.Maphuta-Malatji	-	-	20
15.Nkhensani	-	15	-
16.Sekororo	-	-	8
17.Van Velden	-	-	1
18.Matlala	-	15
19.Groblersdaal	-	-	2
20.Philadelphia	-	-	20
21.Dilokong	-	-	15
22.Mecklenburg	-	-	2
23.St Ritas	-	-	12
24.Jane Furse	-		12
25.Donald Fraser	-	36
26.Elim	-	40
27.Hayani	250	-
28.Louis Trichardt	-	-	0
29.Malamulele	-	16
30.Messina	-	-	4
31.Siloam	-	30	-
32.Tshilidzini	-	13	-
33.George Masebe	-	-	12
34.F H Odendaal	-	-	4
35.Warmbad	-	-	5
36.Thabazimbi	-	-	4
37.Ellisrus	-	-	3
38.Witpoort	-	-	2
39.Mokopane	-	-	24
40.Voortrekker	-	-	4
Total	1104	212	253

6. MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

(c) Hospital Name	Total number of beds available for mental health patients
	Standalone Psychiatric Hospital	Designated Mental Health Inpatient Units	72hr Assessment Facilities
1.Witbank	-	26	12
2. Rob Ferreira	-	30	10
3. Tintswalo	-	50	10
4. Tonga	-	-	10
5. Themba	-	-	27
6. Matikwane	-	-	8
7. Mapulaneng	-	-	4
8. Sabie	-	-	6
9. Matibidi	-	-	5
10. Barberton	-	-	6
11. Lydenburg	-	-	4
12. Embhuleni	-	-	20
13. Carolina	-	-	2
14. Ermelo	-	-	8
15. Standerton	-	-	12
16. Elsie Ballot	-	-	4
17. Amajuba	-	-	6
18. Bethal	-	-	6
19. Piet Retief	-	-	6
20. Evander	-	-	4
21. HA Grove	-	-	4
22. Waterval Boven	-	-	2
23. Middelburg	-	-	8
24. Impungwe	-	-	4
25. Kwamhlanga	-	-	12
26. Bernice Samuel	-	-	3
27. Mmamethlake	-	-	8
28. Shongwe	-	-	12
Total	0	106	223

7. NORTHWEST

(c) Hospital Name	Total number of beds available for mental health patients
	Standalone Psychiatric Hospital	Designated Mental Health Inpatient Units	72hr Assessment Facilities
1. Bophelong	384	-	-
2.Witrand (Profound intellectual disability services)	982	-	-
3.Taung hospital	-	20	-
4.Job- Shimankana Tabane	-	60	-
5.Klerksdorp / Tshepong	-	-	30
6.Mahikeng Provincial	-	-	46
7.Potchefstroom	-	-	11
Total	1366	80

8. NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

(c) Hospital Name	Total number of beds are available for mental health patients
	Standalone Psychiatric Hospital	Designated Mental Health Inpatient Units	72hr Assessment Facilities

1. Kimberly Mental Health	287	-	-
2. Kuruman Hospital	-	-	5
3. Tshwaragano Hospital	-	-	9
4. Calvinia	-	-	2
5. Springbok Hospital	-	-	2
6. De Aar	-	-	2
7. Prieska	-	-	2
8. Manne Dipico Hospital	-	-	2
9. Harry Surtie Hospital	-	-	8
10. Kakamas Hospital	-	-	2
11. Postmasburg Hospital	-	-	2
12. Connie Voster Hospital	-	-	2
13. Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe	-	-	15
14. Prof ZK Matthews	-	-	2
15. Hartswater Hospital	-	-	2
Total	287		57

9. WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE

(c) Hospital Name	Total number of beds are available for mental health patients
	Standalone Psychiatric Hospital	Designated Mental Health Inpatient Units	72hr Assessment Facilities

1. Alexandra - intellectual disability	300	-	-
2. Lentegeur - General Adult psychiatry, Intellectual Disability and Forensics	690	-	-
3. Stikland - General Adult Psychiatry, Psychogeriatrics and Detox	423	-
4. Valkenberg - General Adult Psychiatry and Forensics	391	-
5.Mitchell’s Plain			44
6. Khayelitsha	-	-	55
7. Helderberg	-	-	12
8. Karl Bremer	-	-	36
9. Eerste River	-	-	30
10. Falsebay	-	-	9
11. Victoria	-	-	15
12. Somerset	-	-	32
13. Worcester	-	24
14. Paarl	-	30
15. George	-	12
16. Tygerberg	-	42
17. Groote Schuur		25	30
Total	1804	133	263

The Mental Health Care Act provides for designation of specialized standalone psychiatric hospitals and inpatient units/wards attached to general hospitals, which are also referred to as designated psychiatric hospitals. This is a concurrent function of the National Director-General of Health and the Provincial Heads of Departments.

The Act further provides for a list of health establishments to conduct 72-hours assessment for involuntary mental health care, with designated beds for this purpose. Other general hospitals render 72-hours assessment in medical wards as there are no dedicated beds for this service in those hospitals. This is the prerogative of the Provincial Heads of Departments. The list above provides only health establishments that have dedicated beds for 72 hours assessment services.

END.

01 July 2022 - NW2342

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

What (a) is the current maintenance budget of his department for public health facilities, (b) has been the (i) budget allocated by his department for each province targeted towards maintenance and (ii) expenditure of public health facilities for each province and (c) is the detailed breakdown of such (i) budgets and (ii) expenditure for each public health facility throughout the Republic?

Source
Link

Reply:

(a)-(b) According to the Provincial Departments of Health, the Table below provides the details in this regard, regarding the 2022/23 maintenance allocations per province:

c) The attached Annexure A – covers (c) (i) and (ii) questions regarding the breakdown of maintenance budget and expenditure per facility and per province.

END.

01 July 2022 - NW2353

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

(a) What has been the total number of specialist trained nurses over the past 10 years and (b) where have they been allocated during the specified period?

Source
Link

Reply:

(a) According to the information as received from the South African Nursing Council (SANC) the total number of specialist nurses who completed their studies and registered as nursing specialists over the past 10 years period, is 52 887, as per table below:

Nurse category	Output per year
	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	Grand Total
Specialist Nurses	5185	6321	4722	6211	6010	5494	4941	5530	3508	4965	52 887

*Statistics obtained from South African Nursing Council

(b) According to the records as drawn from the Persal System on 31 May 2022, the table below indicate the number of nursing specialists appointed in the public service, in each province, over the reporting 10 years period (per financial year):

*Data extracted from the PERSAL System dated 31 May 2022

It is important to inform the Honourable Member that the trend of high number of production of specialist nurses vs low number of appointment (in the public sector) is because of a number of factors but not limited to:

(i) Some nurse specialists are absorbed by the private sector after qualifying as specialists;

(ii) Some nurse specialists especially ICU trained prefer to work for agencies as proven during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic;

(iii) Some nurses underwent training towards non-clinical specialty programs such as Nursing Management and Nursing Education, as a way of preparing themselves for future career prospects when they apply to be managers etc. Incidentally, these two programs are the ones with higher production (see SANC data). It has also been empirically proven that sometimes nurses study for these programs to add bars on their epaulets as each one has a distinct bar, silver and white respectively;

(iv) Some specialist nurse already employed within an Organization, may study towards a specialty of their choice as part of life-long learning not necessarily to be absorbed within that specialty. As an example, a nurse educator at a college may further pursue studies in Primary Health Care (PHC), so that they can teach PHC in the future but already employed as Specialist (nurse educator); and

(v) Finally, in contrast, another example is psychiatric nurses who decide to study for the Occupational Nursing specialty just out of curiosity but not necessarily to work in an OHS environment.

END.

01 July 2022 - NW2336

Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Health

What are the details of the shortage of doctors in rural villages in (i) Limpopo and (ii) the Eastern Cape?

Source
Link

Reply:

Generally, it remains a challenge to recruit health professionals, particularly doctors to underserved and rural areas despite all measures taken by Government to introduce additional emoluments, which amongst others include payment of rural allowance. However, in response to the specific question by the honourable member, the Provincial Departments of Health of Limpopo and Eastern Cape, respectively informed as follows:

(i) Limpopo Department of Health has 12.37% vacancy rate in rural areas.

(ii) Eastern Cape Department of Health has 50-60% vacancy rate in rural areas.

The reason these two Provinces are unable to recruit to their full capacity, amongst others, is because of poor infrastructure, no recreational facilities, lack of medical equipment in those deep rural institutions and the shortage of nurses. The rural allowance is no longer attracting the doctors more especially when they get married. Less chances to specialize like in the Regional Hospitals.

END.

01 July 2022 - NW2331

Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether he has been informed of Mrs Erna Jansen van Vuuren (details furnished) who was admitted to the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria on Sunday, 22 May 2022, with stage 4 cancer and who died on Wednesday, 25 May 2022; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the reasons that the specified patient was placed in a tent outside the specified hospital when the patient was admitted; (2) whether he has been informed if the patient received sufficient medical treatment during the stay in the tent; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the treatment received; (3) whether he has been informed of the (a) reason that the patient was initially admitted and (b) cause of death; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

Source
Link

Reply:

1. Yes, I have been informed about the said patient, including why she was admitted I have also been informed that the patient received adequate medical treatment whilst she was in the tent.

I wish to raise my concern regarding exposing patient’s names and conditions I as in the public domain as in the Department of Health we are bound by the patient-doctor confidentiality, however I wish to respond as follow regarding the context of patients being admitted into the tent is as follows:

The response to the COVID-19 pandemic at Steve Biko Academic Hospital wanted additional infrastructure to manage the COVID-19 suspected and confirmed patients and limiting risk of exposure to patients who were confirmed to be virologically negative.
Tents are well ventilated and fully equipped as wards. This was the immediate response to the then rapidly progressing pandemic, where semi-formal structures were erected.
The semi-formal structures added an additional 30 beds to treat the COVID-19 patients and remedy the challenges with space and enabled Steve Biko Academic Hospital to as far as possible, continue with rendering the non-COVID-19’s highly specialised services and not to utilize the regular patient beds to accommodate person under investigations (PUIs).
Tents have enabled Steve Biko Academic Hospital to be in the position to successfully manage Priority 1 and Priority 3 COVID-19 suspected patients.
As with all patients who had respiratory symptoms, the patient in question presented to Steve Biko Academic Hospital and admitted as a person under investigation (PUI) on the 22/05/22 and was admitted to Ward 8.2, gynaecology ward on the 24/05/22 where the patient subsequently demised on the 25/05/2022 at 11h35min.
The details regarding the detailed treatment of the said patient are available and will not presented here as these are deemed confidential as per patient doctor confidentiality.

2. No, I will not make any statement regarding this matter, this to maintain patient-doctor relationship in accordance with health care professionalism. The matter was raised as a complaint and the prescribed complaints management processes were followed. The patient received an optimal treatment for her condition.

END.

01 July 2022 - NW2418

Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

What total number of (a) hospitals and (b) clinics are currently being built by his department in each town and province of the Republic?

Source
Link

Reply:

According to information received from the Provincial Departments of Health through Project management information system, the table below provides a summary of the number of (a) hospitals and (b) clinics that are being built (newly built and upgrades). These facilities are all funded from the Health Facility Revitalisation Grant. It is also imperative to note that these include new and replaced facilities as well as upgrades and additions.

Province	District Municipality	Local Municipality	No of Hospitals being built	No of CHC’s and Clinics being built
Eastern Cape (EC)	Amatole (DC12)	Mbhashe (EC121)	1	0
Eastern Cape (EC)	Amatole (DC12)	Raymond Mhlaba (EC129)	2	1
Eastern Cape (EC)	Buffalo City (BUF)	Buffalo City (BUF)	2	0
Eastern Cape (EC)	Chris Hani (DC13)	Enoch Mgijima (EC139)	0	1
Eastern Cape (EC)	Joe Gqabi (DC14)	Elundini (EC141)	1	1
Eastern Cape (EC)	Joe Gqabi (DC14)	Senqu (EC142)	0	1
Eastern Cape (EC)	Sarah Baartman (DC10)	Makana (EC104)	0	1
Eastern Cape (EC)	O.R.Tambo (DC15)	Port St Johns (EC154)	1	0
Eastern Cape (EC)	Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMA)	Nelson Mandela Bay (NMA)	3	0
Eastern Cape (EC)	O.R.Tambo (DC15)	King Sabata Dalindyebo (EC157)	0	1
Eastern Cape (EC)	Alfred Nzo (DC44)	Umzimvubu (EC442)	0	2
Eastern Cape (EC)	Alfred Nzo (DC44)	Matatiele (EC441)	1	0
Eastern Cape (EC)	Alfred Nzo (DC44)	Ntabankulu (EC444)	1	0
Eastern Cape (EC)	Alfred Nzo (DC44)	Mbizana (EC443)	1	0
Eastern Cape (EC)	Chris Hani (DC13)	Engcobo (EC137)	1	0
Free State (FS)	Thabo Mofutsanyane (DC19)	Maluti a Phofung (FS194)	1	0
Free State (FS)	Thabo Mofutsanyane (DC19)	Dihlabeng (FS192)	0	2
Free State (FS)	Lejweleputswa (DC18)	Tswelopele (FS183)	0	1
Free State (FS)	Fezile Dabi (DC20)	Moqhaka (FS201)	1	2
Free State (FS)	Xhariep (DC16)	Kopanong (FS162)	0	1
Free State (FS)	Lejweleputswa (DC18)	Matjhabeng (FS184)	0	3
Free State (FS)	Mangaung (MAN)	Mangaung (MAN)	1	1
Free State (FS)	Fezile Dabi (DC20)	Mafube (FS205)	0	1
Gauteng (GT)	City of Johannesburg (JHB)	City of Johannesburg (JHB)	1	5
Gauteng (GT)	City of Ekurhuleni (EKU)	City of Ekurhuleni (EKU)	3	2
Gauteng (GT)	City of Tshwane (TSH)	City of Tshwane (TSH)	2	6
Gauteng (GT)	West Rand (DC48)	Mogale City (GT481)	0	4
Gauteng (GT)	West Rand (DC48)	Merafong City (GT484)	0	3
Gauteng (GT)	Sedibeng (DC42)	Emfuleni (GT421)	0	2
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Ugu (DC21)	Umdoni (KZN212)	1	1
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	eThekwini (ETH)	eThekwini (ETH)	11	4
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Ugu (DC21)	Ray Nkonyeni (KZN216)	2	0
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	iLembe (DC29)	KwaDukuza (KZN292)	1	1
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	King Cetshwayo (DC28)	uMlalazi (KZN284)	2	3
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	King Cetshwayo (DC28)	Nkandla (KZN286)	2	1
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Zululand (DC26)	Nongoma (KZN265)	1	1
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	King Cetshwayo (DC28)	uMhlathuze (KZN282)	2	2
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Zululand (DC26)	Ulundi (KZN266)	2	2
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Amajuba (DC25)	Newcastle (KZN252)	2	1
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Umgungundlovu (DC22)	The Msunduzi (KZN225)	4	2
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Harry Gwala (DC43)	Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma (KZN436)	1	1
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Amajuba (DC25)	Emadlangeni (KZN253)	2	0
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Harry Gwala (DC43)	Ubuhlebezwe (KZN434)	0	3
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	iLembe (DC29)	Maphumulo (KZN294)	2	2
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Umzinyathi (DC24)	Endumeni (KZN241)	1	0
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Uthukela (DC23)	Alfred Duma (KZN238)	1	2
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Harry Gwala (DC43)	Greater Kokstad (KZN433)	2	1
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Ugu (DC21)	Umzumbe (KZN213)	0	2
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Zululand (DC26)	eDumbe (KZN261)	0	2
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Umgungundlovu (DC22)	Richmond (KZN227)	0	1
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Harry Gwala (DC43)	Umzimkhulu (KZN435)	1	0
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Umkhanyakude (DC27)	Big Five Hlabisa (KZN276)	1	1
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Umgungundlovu (DC22)	Mpofana (KZN223)	0	1
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Umzinyathi (DC24)	Msinga (KZN244)	1	1
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Umzinyathi (DC24)	Nqutu (KZN242)	1	2
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Uthukela (DC23)	Inkosi Langalibalele (KZN237)	1	0
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Umgungundlovu (DC22)	uMngeni (KZN222)	1	0
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Uthukela (DC23)	Okhahlamba (KZN235)	1	1
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	King Cetshwayo (DC28)	Mthonjaneni (KZN285)	0	1
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Ugu (DC21)	UMuziwabantu (KZN214)	1	0
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Umkhanyakude (DC27)	Umhlabuyalingana (KZN271)	1	0
KwaZulu - Natal (KZ)	Umkhanyakude (DC27)	Jozini (KZN272)	1	0
Limpopo (LP)	Sekhukhune (DC47)	Elias Motsoaledi (LIM472)	1	0
Limpopo (LP)	Capricorn (DC35)	Polokwane (LIM354)	2	2
Limpopo (LP)	Capricorn (DC35)	Lepele-Nkumpi (LIM355)	2	0
Limpopo (LP)	Capricorn (DC35)	Blouberg (LIM351)	1	1
Limpopo (LP)	Mopani (DC33)	Ba-Phalaborwa (LIM334)	1	0
Limpopo (LP)	Waterberg (DC36)	Bela-Bela (LIM366)	0	1
Limpopo (LP)	Waterberg (DC36)	Thabazimbi (LIM361)	1	0
Limpopo (LP)	Waterberg (DC36)	Mogalakwena (LIM367)	2	1
Limpopo (LP)	Mopani (DC33)	Greater Tzaneen (LIM333)	3	0
Limpopo (LP)	Vhembe (DC34)	Thulamela (LIM343)	1	0
Limpopo (LP)	Sekhukhune (DC47)	Ephraim Mogale (LIM471)	1	0
Limpopo (LP)	Vhembe (DC34)	Makhado (LIM344)	2	0
Limpopo (LP)	Waterberg (DC36)	Modimolle/Mookgophong (LIM368)	1	2
Limpopo (LP)	Sekhukhune (DC47)	Greater Tubatse/Fetakgomo (LIM476)	2	0
Limpopo (LP)	Sekhukhune (DC47)	Makhuduthamaga (LIM473)	1	0
Limpopo (LP)	Mopani (DC33)	Greater Giyani (LIM331)	1	0
Limpopo (LP)	Vhembe (DC34)	Musina (LIM341)	1	0
Limpopo (LP)	Mopani (DC33)	Greater Letaba (LIM332)	0	1
Mpumalanga (MP)	Nkangala (DC31)	Dr JS Moroka (MP316)	0	1
Mpumalanga (MP)	Ehlanzeni (DC32)	Mbombela (MP326)	1	1
Mpumalanga (MP)	Gert Sibande (DC30)	Msukaligwa (MP302)	0	2
Mpumalanga (MP)	Nkangala (DC31)	Thembisile (MP315)	1	0
North West (NW)	Bojanala Platinum (DC37)	Moses Kotane (NW375)	0	1
North West (NW)	Dr Kenneth Kaunda (DC40)	Maquassi Hills (NW404)	0	1
North West (NW)	Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati (DC39)	Greater Taung (NW394)	1	2
North West (NW)	Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati (DC39)	Kagisano (NW397)	1	1
North West (NW)	Dr Kenneth Kaunda (DC40)	Ventersdorp/Tlokwe (NW405)	3	3
North West (NW)	Ngaka Modiri Molema (DC38)	Mafikeng (NW383)	3	1
North West (NW)	Bojanala Platinum (DC37)	Local Municipality of Madibeng (NW372)	0	1
North West (NW)	Ngaka Modiri Molema (DC38)	Ramotshere Moiloa (NW385)	0	2
North West (NW)	Bojanala Platinum (DC37)	Moretele (NW371)	0	1
North West (NW)	Ngaka Modiri Molema (DC38)	Ratlou (NW381)	0	2
North West (NW)	Ngaka Modiri Molema (DC38)	Tswaing (NW382)	0	3
North West (NW)	Ngaka Modiri Molema (DC38)	Ditsobotla (NW384)	1	0
North West (NW)	Bojanala Platinum (DC37)	Rustenburg (NW373)	1	0
North West (NW)	Dr Kenneth Kaunda (DC40)	City of Matlosana (NW403)	0	2
Northern Cape (NC)	John Taolo Gaetsewe (DC45)	Ga-Segonyana (NC452)	0	1
Northern Cape (NC)	John Taolo Gaetsewe (DC45)	Joe Morolong (NC451)	0	2
Northern Cape (NC)	Namakwa (DC06)	Richtersveld (NC061)	0	1
Northern Cape (NC)	ZF Mgcawu (DC08)	!Kheis (NC084)	0	1
Northern Cape (NC)	Namakwa (DC06)	Nama Khoi (NC062)	1	0
Western Cape (WC)	City of Cape Town (CPT)	City of Cape Town (CPT)	10	8
Western Cape (WC)	Overberg (DC03)	Theewaterskloof (WC031)	0	2
Western Cape (WC)	Cape Winelands (DC02)	Drakenstein (WC023)	1	3
Western Cape (WC)	Garden Route (DC04)	Kannaland (WC041)	0	1
Western Cape (WC)	Cape Winelands (DC02)	Breede Valley (WC025)	1	2
Western Cape (WC)	Cape Winelands (DC02)	Witzenberg (WC022)	1	0
Western Cape (WC)	Overberg (DC03)	Overstrand (WC032)	1	1
Western Cape (WC)	Garden Route (DC04)	Mossel Bay (WC043)	1	1
Western Cape (WC)	West Coast (DC01)	Saldanha Bay (WC014)	0	3
Western Cape (WC)	Garden Route (DC04)	Knysna (WC048)	0	1
Western Cape (WC)	Central Karoo (DC05)	Laingsburg (WC051)	0	1
Total			123	140

24 June 2022 - NW2314

Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health

What immediate measures have been put in place to provide assistance to the Life Chatsmed Garden Hospital in Durban, which caught fire on 5 June 2022?

Source
Link

Reply:

The Life Chatsmed Garden Hospital is a private hospital in Durban. We are informed by the management of the Hospital that there were no patients transferred to any of our Public health facilities following the fire incident. Instead injured patients were transferred to other private facilities.

END.

24 June 2022 - NW2324

Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Health

What (a) total number of medico-legal cases were lodged against his department in the past two financial years and (b) is the total cost to his department for such cases?

Source
Link

Reply:

According to the Provincial Departments of Health, the following details provide responses to these questions:

(a)-(b) The following tables reflect the details in this regard

2020/21 FINANCIAL YEAR

NAME OF THE PROVINCE	TOTAL NUMBER OF MEDICO-LEGAL CASES LODGED AGAINST THE DEPARTMENT	TOTAL COST TO THE DEPARTMENT, POTENTIALLY
Eastern Cape	361 Cases	R4 095 828 952.00
Free State	72 Cases	R 744 220 990.29
Gauteng	80 Cases	R 958 735 433,55
Kwazulu- Natal	256 Cases	R2 652 163 923.10
Limpopo	215 Cases	R1 709 116 099.00
Mpumalanga	117 Cases	R1 117 605 000.00
Northern Cape	15 Cases	R 531 716 811.04
North West	61 Cases	R 325 119 700.00
Western Cape	62 Cases	R 527 000 000.00
TOTALS	878 Cases	R8,591,051,276.41

2021/22 FINANCIAL YEAR

NAME OF THE PROVINCE	TOTAL NUMBER OF MEDICO-LEGAL CASES LODGED AGAINST THE DEPARTMENT	TOTAL COST TO THE DEPARTMENT, POTENTIALLY
Eastern Cape	379 cases	R4 542 556.761.00
Free State	52 cases	R 446 981 920.00
Gauteng	107 cases	R 974 802 814.21
Kwazulu- Natal	204 cases	R1 885 019 875.00
Limpopo	277 cases	R2 452 118 059.00
Mpumalanga	142 cases	R 1 427 477 670.00
Northern Cape	20 cases	R 326 816 465.00
North West	64 Cases	R 379 378 957.00
Western Cape	77 cases	R 806 000 000.00
TOTALS	866 Cases	R13,241,152,521.21

END.

24 June 2022 - NW2144

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

What (a) total number of incidents of (i) rape, (ii) sexual assault and (iii) physical assault have been reported by medical staff in (aa) private and (bb) public health facilities in the past three financial years, (b) is the breakdown of the incidents in each province, (c) is the total number of allegations that have resulted in (i) dismissal and/or (ii) non-dismissal in the specified period and (d) what were the outcomes of all investigations that were reported?

Source
Link

Reply:

In accordance with information received from Provincial Departments of Health (excluding Gauteng and Northern Cape), the table below outlines the number of cases reported in the Public Health Sector. Unfortunately, information as received from Provinces does not provide details of each case and progress made on investigations. Therefore, letters have since been written to Provincial Departments of Health to provide such information where possible, without jeopardising investigations and the individuals concerned:

FINANCIAL YEAR	NATURE OF INCIDENT	OUT COME
EASTERN CAPE	RAPE	SEXUAL ASSAULT	PHYSICAL ASSAULT	DISMISSAL
2019/20	0	0	0	N/A
2020/21	0	0	0	N/A
2021/22	0	0	0	N/A

FINANCIAL YEAR	NATURE OF INCIDENT	OUT COME
FREE STATE	RAPE	SEXUAL ASSAULT	PHYSICAL ASSAULT	DISMISSAL
2019/20	0	1	0	N/A
2020/21	0	0	0	N/A
2021/22	0	0	0	N/A

FINANCIAL YEAR	NATURE OF INCIDENT	OUT COME
MPUMALANGA	RAPE	SEXUAL ASSAULT	PHYSICAL ASSAULT
2019/20	0	0	0	DISMISSAL
2020/21	0	0	0	N/A
2021/22	0	0	0	N/A

FINANCIAL YEAR	NATURE OF INCIDENT	OUT COME
NORTH WEST	RAPE	SEXUAL ASSAULT	PHYSICAL ASSAULT	DISMISSAL
2019/20	0	1	0	N/A
2020/21	0	1	0	N/A
2021/22	0	0	0	N/A

FINANCIAL YEAR	NATURE OF INCIDENT	OUT COME
WESTERN CAPE	RAPE	SEXUAL ASSAULT	PHYSICAL ASSAULT	DISMISSAL
2019/20	0	0	0	N/A
2020/21	0	0	0	N/A
2021/22	0	8	2	N/A

END.

24 June 2022 - NW2155

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What (a) are the backlogs in terms of postmortems in each province, (b) are the causes of the specified backlogs and (c) steps have been taken to deal with the backlogs; (2) how long does it take to compile a report for a postmortem; (3) how long does it take to complete a general postmortem; (4) (a) what total number of reports are outstanding at the forensic chemistry laboratories in terms of postmortem requirements, (b) for how long have such reports been outstanding and (c) what is the cause of the delay?

Source
Link

Reply:

The National Department of Health is working with Provincial Departments of Health to finalise this information and the Minister will provide a full response as soon as the required information is received from the provinces.

END.

24 June 2022 - NW2156

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)(a) What total (i) amount was spent on the Gauteng field intensive care hospitals and (ii) number of the specified hospitals were built and (b) at what cost was each hospital built; (2) what (a) total number of the hospitals were not completed, (b) are the reasons for their incompletion and (c) number of the specified hospitals are currently operational; (3) what are the names of the companies that submitted a tender for the building of each hospital; (4) (a) what consequence management has been implemented as a result of incomplete projects and (b) who has been fired and/or received disciplinary hearings as a result of unfinished hospitals?

Source
Link

Reply:

The National Department of Health is working with the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health to finalise this information and the Minister will provide a full response as soon as the required information is received from the Province.

END.

24 June 2022 - NW2241

Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health

Whether, with reference to media reports that a former employee of the Eastern Cape Department of Health allegedly forged her matric certificate to secure a job as a senior data capturer and that the specified person is currently facing charges of fraud in the Mthatha Specialised Crimes Court, he will furnish Ms M D Hlengwa with the details on the steps undertaken by his department, in collaboration with the provincial department of health, to confirm the authenticity of prospective employees’ qualifications; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Source
Link

Reply:

The allegation of submission of fraudulent matric certificate by an employee at Cofimvaba Hospital in the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health as investigated by the Fraud Management Unit is confirmed. However, the employee concerned has since resigned and the matter reported to South African Police Services (SAPS) for further handling.

The employee has since been arrested and the case has been reminded to the month of August 2022 in the Mthatha Specialized Crimes Court.

In order to avert such mishaps in the future, The Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health has since issued a Departmental Operations Manual that emphasises that Managers must confirm the authenticity of prospective employees’ qualifications prior to their employment.

END.

24 June 2022 - NW2252

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What total number of psychiatric (a) patients are currently in need of care and (b) beds are currently available in the (i) public and (ii) private sector; (2) what (a) total number of psychiatric specialists are in the public sector and (b) is the vacancy rate for such specialists; (3) what is the (a) total number of psychiatric specialists, (b) breakdown of the specified number of psychiatric specialists in each province, (c) vacancy rate in each province and (d) current ratio of psychiatric specialists to the population?

Source
Link

Reply:

According to the Provincial Departments of Health, the following details provide the responses to the above questions:

1. (a) Based on the prevalence of mental disorders in South Africa, it is estimated that 6 566 703 persons need care for common mental disorders and 1 292 991 of those aged 15 years and older need care for severe psychiatric conditions.

(b) (i) There are 14060 beds in the public sector and (ii) 5692 in the private sector.

(2)-(3) The table below indicate the breakdown of psychiatric specialist in each province (Public Sector) with the vacancy rate:

PSYCHOLOGIST PUBLIC SECTOR
Province	Filled	Vacant	Total	Vacancy Rate
Eastern Cape	2	10	12	83.33
Free State	4	4	8	50.00
Kwazulu-Natal	35	14	49	28.57
Limpopo	6	29	35	82.86
Mpumalanga	3	12	15	80.00
Northern Cape	2	4	6	66.67
North-West	41	6	47	12.77
Western cape	99	1	100	1.00
Grand Total	451	187	638	29.31

The current ration of psychiatric specialist to the population breakdown per provinces reflected below:

POPULATION PER PROVINCE (PUBLIC SECTOR RATIO)
Province	Population	Total Psychologists	Ratio to population
Eastern Cape	6,676,590	2	1: 3338295
Free State	2,932,441	4	1: 733110
Kwazulu-Natal	11,513,575	35	1: 328959
Limpopo	5,926,724	11	1: 538793
Mpumalanga	4,743,584	3	1: 1581194
Northern Cape	1,303,047	2	1: 651523
North-West	4,122,854	41	1: 100557
Western cape	7,113,776	99	1: 71856
Grand Total	60,142,979

STATSSA:	https://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P0302/P03022021.pdf

END.

24 June 2022 - NW2271

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Health

What (a) amount has been paid by his department for the purchase of (i) office furniture, (ii) beds, (iii) medication, (iv) bed linen and blankets and (v) pillows and pillow cases in the (aa) past three financial years and (bb) since 1 January 2022 by the South Rand Hospital in Johannesburg, (b) is the value of each item in each financial year and (c) informs the decision to purchase the specified items in each financial year?

Source
Link

Reply:

According to the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health, the following details provide the responses in this regard:

a)

South Rand Hospital	(aa)			(bb)
	2019/20	2020/21	2021/22	Since 1 January 2022
Office furniture	R233 565,00	R770 508,50	R424 499,50	R0.00
Beds	R993 268,93	R2 764 455,72	R3 122 868,00	R0.00
Medication	R10 164 376,93	R13 292 299,42	R12 498 823,64	R5 669 243,48
Bedlinen and blankets	R221 425,00	R39 600,00	R0.00	R868 544
Pillow and pillow cases	R85 300,00	R20 520,00	R0.00	R67 820

(b) Value of each item in each financial year

	2019/20	2020/21	2021/22
Office furniture	R1 717,39	R965,55	R5 306,24
Beds	R7 699,76	R13 290,65	R31 228,68
Medicatio	An average value for medication will not yield an accurate figure due to the types of medication purchased, to maintain minimum medicines stock available
Bedlinen and blankets	R260,50	R330,00	None
Pillow and pillow cases	R289,15	R190,00	None

(c) The decision to purchase is informed as follows:

	2019/20	2022/21	2021/22
Office furniture	Replacement after been worn out	Replacement after been worn out	Replacement after been worn out
Beds	Replacement of old un-adjustable high beds and broken beds with new high-low beds	Replacement of old un-adjustable high beds and broken beds with new high-low beds	Replacement of old un-adjustable high beds and broken beds with new high-low beds
Medication	To keep minimum stock available
Bedlinen and blankets	Replacement after been worn out	Replacement after been worn out	None purchased
Pillow and pillow cases	Replacement after been worn out	Replacement after been worn out	None purchased

24 June 2022 - NW2332

Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether he will indicate (a) what the current status of availability is of (i) resources and (ii) the capacity to roll out the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) and (b) if state hospitals and clinics, with their current challenges of shortages of doctors, nurses, medicine, equipment and infrastructure challenges, can indeed be seen as a favourable environment for the implementation of the NHI; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?

Source
Link

Reply:

It is important to recognise that reforms of the magnitude anticipated in the NHI Bill need to be phased in over time. For that reason, the transitional arrangements in section 57 of the Bill state:

57(1) (b) National Health Insurance must be gradually phased in using a progressive and programmatic approach based on financial resource availability.

And subsection (2) elaborates that Phase 1 will:

continue with the implementation of health system strengthening initiatives, including alignment of human resources with that which may be required by users of the Fund;
include the development of National Health Insurance legislation and amendments to other legislation;
include the undertaking of initiatives which are aimed at establishing institutions that must be the foundation for a fully functional Fund; and
include the purchasing of personal health care services for vulnerable groups such as children, women, people with disabilities and the elderly;

The NHI Bill (and the Fund that it seeks to establish) will not replace the National Health Act of 2003 although it will amend several sections as listed in the first Schedule.

1. Bearing the context in mind it must be noted that the current status and availability of resources and capacity are only a starting point.

a) (i) The resources available for the establishment of the reformed health system where providers are paid by the Fund are the current resources of the entire public and private health sectors. This includes all health establishments, personnel and technologies currently in use.

(ii) The capacity to roll out the reforms described in the NHI Bill starts with the commitment and stewardship of Parliament to improving the health system for all. The leadership will be provided by the National Department of Health. To this end the Minister of Public Service and Administration has approved a special transitional NHI Branch in the NDOH to serve as the incubator for the Schedule 3A entity. The five clusters, and the nucleus of 44 new posts to be added to the existing 40 posts, are funded through earmarked funding from National Treasury. The reorganisation of the Branch and the preparations for the advertisement of the new posts have commenced.

The remaining Branches in the National Department of Health are all focussed on providing leadership and direction on the anticipated reforms.

In addition to this is provincial management lead by the nine provincial HoDs for Health plus renewed support from many donor partners.

There are many private sector providers that engage with the department and [provide support to various committees and structures involved in the reform.

b) The state of public hospitals and clinics varies widely from immaculate to extremely poor. The department maintains an infrastructure condition assessment and all provinces submit User Asset Management Plans (UAMPS) annually as required by the Government Immoveable Asset Management Act (GIAMA). There is a quality improvement programme in nineteen locations covering over 100 establishments as we have reported to the house in the recent past. Private establishments also vary in their condition.

The health system suffers from shortages of professional personnel in all categories as we have reported to this house. The biggest challenge is the inequitable distribution of personnel but there are nominal shortages. The public sector budgets allocated for Conditions of Employment are fully committed so there is extremely limited room for recruitment of additional personnel. It is for this reason that the NHI envisages a ‘universal’ system for everyone in the country where the NHI Fund purchases services from both public and private providers.

2. Yes, The Minister is prepared to make a statement.

END.

24 June 2022 - NW2417

Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

Noting that the National Health Insurance (NHI) does not have an arrangement that will focus on improving and/or developing infrastructure of health facilities in the Republic, (a) what plans and/or measures has he put in place to ensure that infrastructure of public facilities is improved and/or developed prior and/or during the NHI and (b) how will improving infrastructure of public facilities be planned, catered and paid for under the NHI?

Source
Link

Reply:

The NHI Bill (and the Fund that it seeks to establish) will not replace the National Health Act of 2003 although it will amend several sections as listed in the first Schedule. The reforms do not replace the budget process nor the public works and other infrastructure mandates.

Therefore, the NHI does not have any specific arrangement that will focus on improving and/or developing infrastructure since that is catered for in other laws.

a) Public health sector infrastructure is subject to the Government Immoveable Asset Management Act (GIAMA) and construction of infrastructure in public health facilities is managed in terms of Treasury and Public Works prescripts. The national and provincial health departments will remain responsible for infrastructure of public health facilities. In keeping with the purchaser/provider split the NHI Fund will not be a provider of health services and therefore will not maintain and build infrastructure. That is a provider function. The NHI Fund will purchase services of a quality that it determines and in so doing will ensure that infrastructure is improved and/or developed.

b) Improving infrastructure of public health facilities will be planned by the National Department of Health with provincial departments. Maintenance of infrastructure must be paid for and managed by the providers (including the provinces as the provider in the public sector). Under the reformed health system major refurbishment, extensions and new infrastructure will be paid for through infrastructure allocations, such as is done through the present conditional grants, preferably from a centralised national health infrastructure fund.

END.

17 June 2022 - NW2006

Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health

Whether, with regard to his department’s Budget Vote for the 2022-23 financial year which indicates that an amount of R1,5 billion will be managed by his department nationally to support various infrastructure projects in the National Health Insurance pilot districts, he will furnish Ms M D Hlengwa with (a) a detailed breakdown of the infrastructure projects to be undertaken in each province and (b) the deadline for each contract to be issued in terms of the specified infrastructure projects; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Source
Link

Reply:

a) The In-Kind Grant 2022/23 budget is R1.5 Billion. See below a detailed list of approved Infrastructure In-Kind Grant Projects that will be undertaken within the National Department of Health during the 2022/23 financial year.

b) It should also be noted that these projects are at the different stages as per the Framework for Infrastructure Delivery and Procurement Management (FIDPM) and the Infrastructure Delivery Management System (IDMS).

END.

17 June 2022 - NW2145

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What is the total number of mental health care training facilities in the (a) Republic and (b) in each province; (2) whether he will furnish Ms H Ismail with the outdated criteria for nursing cover; if not, why not; if so, on what date; (3) (a) what is the latest criteria for nursing cover and (b) in what ways does it cover mental health service demands?

Source
Link

Reply:

(1) (a) Currently, Mental Health Nursing, also known as Psychiatric Nursing Science is offered either as a subject or as a module in a comprehensive programme, or as a stand-alone specialist programme. It is offered in the following ways:

(i) As one of the subjects of the legacy four-year Diploma in Nursing (General, Psychiatric & Community) and Midwifery (R425) that is currently being taught out in public nursing colleges. All 9 public nursing colleges are currently teaching out the R425 diploma programme, which is being taught at their 31 campuses.

(ii) As one of the subjects of the legacy four-year Degree in Nursing (General, Psychiatric & Community) and Midwifery (R425) that is currently being taught out in universities. There are currently 17 universities that are teaching out the R425 degree programme.

(iii) As part of the modules for the new 3-year Diploma in Nursing. To date, 6 public nursing colleges are offering the R171 programme in 24 campuses, whilst 1 university is offering the programme.

(iv) As part of the modules for the new 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and Midwifery (R174). To date, 19 universities are offering this programme. 1 college has been accredited for this programme but is not yet offering it.

(v) As a new specialised postgraduate diploma programme (PGD) in Mental Health Nursing). To date, 2 universities have been accredited to offer this programme. 1 college has been accredited for this programme but is not yet offering it.

(b) Table 1 below illustrates the total number of mental health care training facilities in the Republic and in each province.

Table 1: The total number of mental health care training facilities in the Republic and in each province

No.	Province	Number of institutions offering the Mental Health Nursing (Psychiatric Nursing) programme per programme
		R425 diploma	R425 degree	R171 diploma	R174 degree	Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
1	Eastern Cape	5 college campuses	3 universities	Not yet offering	3 universities	None
2	Free State	3 college campuses	1 university	3 college campuses	1 university	None
3	Gauteng	3 college campuses	5 universities	4 college campuses	5 universities	None
4	KwaZulu-Natal	10 college campuses	3 universities	11 college campuses	3 universities	None
5	Limpopo	3 college campuses	2 universities	Not yet offered at college; 1 university	2 universities	None
6	Mpumalanga	1 college campus	None	1 college campus	None	None
7	North West	2 college campuses	2 university campuses	2 college campuses	2 university campuses	None
8	Northern Cape	1 college campus	None	Not yet offering	None	None
9	Western Cape	3 college campuses	1 university	3 college campuses	3 universities	2 universities
TOTALS IN THE REPUBLIC	31 college campuses	17 universities	24 college campuses, 1 =university	19 universities	2 universities

(2) The outdated criteria for nursing cover for Psychiatric Nursing Science subject in the R425 programme offered by both nursing colleges and universities entailed the following:

Nursing patients of different age groups receiving treatment in a psychiatric hospital, psychiatric unit or psychiatric community service, on both short term and long-term basis.
Executing a nursing regimen to ensure continuity of nursing for a meaningful number of the above patients – both short-term and long term. Before being implemented, the nursing plan for each patient shall be approved by the registered nurse responsible for the nursing regimen for the patient.
Conducting group sessions/activities, taking cognisance of cultural differences/preferences where relevant.
Conducting therapeutic interactions for evaluation purposes.
Developing an assessment and plan care for a patient who is being cared for in the community and who requires psychiatric nursing.
Recognising a crisis situation and applying appropriate crisis intervention skills, timeously referring to appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team and/or appropriate support systems.
Nursing care of a mentally retarded person in a care and rehabilitation centre or any other institution for the care of mentally retarded persons, or of a family with a mentally retarded member.

(3) (a) In the new nursing programmes, Mental Health Nursing is covered in modules in the 3-year Diploma in Nursing (R171), modules in the 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and Midwifery (R174), as well as a speciality Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing programme.

(b) The new programmes mentioned in (a) cover mental health service demands in the following ways:

(i) The 3-year Diploma in Nursing (R171):

Psychology and Sociology are applied in ways which benefits the quality of healthcare delivered to health care users.

Knowledge of human behaviour and psychological development throughout the life span is applied.

Students implement social and diversity-sensitive care in nursing practice.

A range of psychological emergency situations are identified and managed accordingly.

Emotional demands of nursing practice are dealt with effectively.

(ii) The 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and Midwifery (R174) has modules that deal with the following aspects pertaining Mental Health:

Development of individualised plans that reflect comprehensive and integrated assessment of mentally ill persons,

Understanding of common emotional and behavioural disorders, as well as major psychiatric disorders (perceptual and severe mood disorders).

Execution of nursing interventions and therapeutic management of mentally ill persons utilising accepted psycho-social techniques.

Providing support provided to patients recovering from mental health illness in preparation for discharge in ways that enable the patient, family and significant others to cope with the management of the patient at home.

(iii) Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Mental Health Nursing is a standalone specialised programme on Mental Health Nursing that covers the following aspects:

Rendering and co-ordinating of patient-centred mental health nursing within a continuum of care using the scientific approach, integrating biomedical and psychosocial sciences including advanced pharmacology.

Mobilising appropriate resources to implement mental health standards of practice, to ensure quality patient care and safety.

Collaborating within the inter-professional team by engaging in health dialogue, shared leadership, decision-making and sound clinical judgment aimed at better mental health care outcomes.

Participating in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of nursing policies, programmes and projects related to mental health nursing.

END.

17 June 2022 - NW2157

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What total number of measles vaccinations have been administered in (a) 2019, (b) 2020 and (c) 2021; (2) what is the breakdown of the specified measles vaccinations in each (a) province and (b) specified academic year; (3) what plans are being put in place by his department to increase inoculations for the measles vaccine; (4) what was the vaccination rate for the measles vaccine in (a) 2019, (b) 2020 and (c) 2021 in each province?

Source
Link

Reply:

(1) The following table reflects the details in this regard:

Year	Measles 1st dose		Measles 2nd dose
(a)	2019	966,002	84,1%	920,084	80,2%
(b)	2020	974,179	84,8%	888,383	77,2%
(c)	2021	1,000,082	87,5%	939,138	82,2%

(2) The following table reflects the details in this regard:

PROVINCE	MEASLES	2019	2020	2021
Eastern Cape	1st dose	115,357	111,609	114,320
	2nd dose	118,254	108,060	110,055
Free State	1st dose	41,999	43,710	44,670
	2nd dose	38,634	38,721	39,406
Gauteng	1st dose	228,967	224,802	234,553
	2nd dose	203,020	197,829	218,545
KwaZulu-Natal	1st dose	208,524	208,825	213,695
	2nd dose	216,419	213,090	223,628
Limpopo	1st dose	113,671	121,443	114,731
	2nd dose	102,155	103,199	101,441
Mpumalanga	1st dose	78,956	81,911	94,505
	2nd dose	82,248	73,931	83,496
Northern Cape	1st dose	21,038	19,875	20,802
	2nd dose	18,404	17,596	18,007
North West	1st dose	57,099	57,225	57,624
	2nd dose	54,368	49,922	55,187
Western Cape	1st dose	100,391	104,779	105,182
	2nd dose	86,582	86,035	89,373

(3) The Department is implementing four streams of the primary health care (PHC) re-engineering which contribute to the increase in uptake of measles vaccination, namely, PHC Ward-Based Outreach Teams (WBOTS), Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP), the District Clinical Specialist Teams (DCST) and contracting of private healthcare providers. Each of the streams significantly contribute to the immunisation program in the following ways: the WBOTS have a potential role in defaulter tracing. ISHP provide immunisation catch-up at schools to increase coverage. The DCSTs have a role to play in clinical governance (ensuring implementation of all policies and guidelines). The private healthcare providers help in identifying and referring children who have missed immunisation doses.

In order to address long-standing inequities in immunisation access thereby reducing the number of zero-dose children, the Department of Health is implementing the followings:

Reach Every District (RED) Strategy to reduce missed opportunities in childhood vaccination uptake. The RED Strategy emphasizes important areas for vaccination uptake in the country: (1) reducing inequity in immunisation coverage, integration of health services, delivering vaccines beyond infancy using a life course approach, focusing on urban, poor and marginalized populations, and paying special attention to poor performing districts.
Under-5 Side-by-Side campaign by the Department that ensures all children survive and thrive, by improving coverage of key promotive, preventive and curative interventions with inclusive of measles vaccination and childhood vaccination in general. Five key themes of under-five are: (1) good nutrition to grow and be healthy; (2) love, play and talk for healthy development; (3) protection from preventable childhood illnesses and injuries; (4) health care for sick children and (5) special care for children who need a little more help. This campaign also focuses on the supportive relationship between child and caregiver, as well as the relationship with practitioners, including health-care workers, who help and advise the caregiver
In November 2020, the country intensified immunisation catch-up drive in all districts. The catch-up drive reduced number of zero-dose children from 125,923 in 2020 to 104,153 in 2021. The delivery of both routine and catch-up immunisation doses forms part of a coordinated effort to improve access to high-quality, affordable primary health to achieve universal health coverage and accelerate progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The country as a member state of the global community has endorsed the global Measles and Rubella Strategic Plan (MRSP) 2021 - 2030 which outlines guiding principles that provide a foundation for all measles and rubella control efforts. The Department is using this strategic plan as a guiding principle to secure the commitment and action required for a country free of measles transmission. In line with global measles strategy, the Department has endorsed international measles coverage target of reaching 90% of children with both 1st and 2nd dose in all districts to reach desirable population immunity levels. As part of implementing Global Measles and Rubella Strategic Plan, the Department together with NICD implement Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system. The system makes case-based surveillance and laboratory data more usable and strengthen outbreak response measures at all levels of healthcare. Through implementation of IDSR, the country is utilising Notifiable Medical Conditions Surveillance (NMC) Application (NMC APP) for mobile devices. The NMC App enable healthcare practitioners to promptly report NMCs for appropriate and timely public health response. The IDSR uses outbreaks as an entry point to identifying unvaccinated communities and strengthening immunisation system.
The Department is also using Stock Visibility System (SVS) that enables the electronic communication of medicine availability data from PHC level into upstream electronic stock management systems. The SVS helps to monitor availability of vaccines in facilities and expedites vaccine deliveries to prevent stock outs.

(4) The following table reflects the details in this regard:

PROVINCE	MEASLES	2019	2020	2021
Eastern Cape	1st dose	80.3%	80.1%	85.2%
	2nd dose	82.3%	77.2%	80.9%
Free State	1st dose	78.6%	83.3%	87.3%
	2nd dose	72.3%	73.5%	76.4%
Gauteng	1st dose	89.4%	86.5%	89.5%
	2nd dose	79.1%	75.9%	83.4%
KwaZulu-Natal	1st dose	83.3%	82.5%	83.9%
	2nd dose	87.1%	84.9%	89.0%
Limpopo	1st dose	85.7%	93.4%	90.4%
	2nd dose	76.7%	78.5%	78.6%
Mpumalanga	1st dose	83.7%	85.6%	97.9%
	2nd dose	87.6%	77.8%	87.7%
Northern Cape	1st dose	82.8%	77.5%	80.8%
	2nd dose	73.0%	69.2%	70.8%
North West	1st dose	70.9%	70.6%	71.1%
	2nd dose	67.7%	61.9%	68.7%
Western Cape	1st dose	89.5%	94.0%	95.5%
	2nd dose	76.8%	76.6%	80.3%

END.

17 June 2022 - NW2210

Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

What (a) are the reasons that (i) the Council for Medical Schemes is responsible for medical insurance when its jurisdiction is medical aids, which is completely different from medical insurance, and (ii) surveillance of medical insurance is not done by an entity overseeing insurance and (b) legal provisions is this allowed to happen in the Republic?

Source
Link

Reply:

a) (i) The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) regulates medical schemes, and in terms of the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, any entity that conducts the business of a medical scheme must be registered with CMS. Insurance companies that were previously offering primary health care products as insurance products are prohibited by the Demarcation Regulations from doing so, as primary health care products are no longer regarded as insurance products but products doing the business of a medical scheme. This has been in effect from 1 April 2017. These insurance companies could not afford to immediately convert into medical schemes due to the nature and pricing of insurance products as opposed to those for pricing health insurance products.

(ii) Medical insurance products, as defined by the Demarcation Regulations published in terms of the Long- and Short-term Insurance Acts on 23 December 2016 (Government Gazette No. 40515), are regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).

b) To safeguard the interests of people who were already policyholders of the primary health care products offered by the affected insurance companies (prior to 1 April 2017), the Ministers of Health and of Finance concurred that the insurance companies must approach the CMS to apply for an exemption from complying with the provisions of section 20(1) of the Medical Schemes Act, until a Low-Cost Benefit Option (LCBO) framework is adopted. This would allow current policyholders to migrate into the LCBO medical schemes environment when finalised and implemented. Insurance companies that applied and received an exemption from the CMS in terms of section 8(h) of the MSA are now offering primary health care products under the oversight of CMS.

END.

17 June 2022 - NW2211

Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Following the new data on Pfizer vaccine, what is the current position of (a) his department and (b) SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) on it being administered; (2) whether the initial positions of his department and SAHPRA has been altered and/or changed with reference to the safety in light of the current information that is now in the public domain; if not, what is the position in this regard, particularly in view of the fact that there are vaccines that have not been approved on the basis that not all information pertaining to safety were submitted; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Source
Link

Reply:

(1) (a) The Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19 Vaccines (VMAC) is mandated to advise the Minister regarding COVID-19 vaccines. The VMAC engaged with SAHPRA on the report from the United States of America’s Food and Drug Authority report on the Pfizer Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine safety. This report that was released was related to the periodic safety update reports that are released by the FDA, and did not identify any new signals for safety concerns. It was also noted that this report contains more than 49 000 adverse events following immunisations (AEFIs). As such, with the lack of new safety signals in the use of Pfizer Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine, it’s continued use is still viewed as favourable.

(b) SAPHRA released a media statement on the 11th March 2022, which noted the following: “… the safety report received from the United States of America’s Food and Drug Authority in relation to the Pfizer Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine. SAHPRA indicated that Pfizer indicates all adverse events of special interest (AESIs) during the reporting period. However, not all AESIs included in the report are linked to the vaccine. As these vaccines are still new, their safety profiles are evolving, and investigations are ongoing; hence the need for continuous monitoring. Based on the latest periodically reported safety data reviewed by SAHPRA for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines, the benefit-risk profile of this vaccine remains favourable and safe to be administered as per the roll-out schedule.” This media release is available on the SAHPRA website.

(2) Neither the Department nor SAHPRA have changed their stance on the use of the Pfizer Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine, based on the factors noted above, in other words, that no new safety concerns were found in this data. Registration of medicines in the country is the role of SAHPRA, which is mandated to oversee the safety, efficacy and quality of all health products registered in the country, and this includes vaccines. All the COVID-19 vaccines authorised for use in South Africa have been evaluated for safety, quality, and efficacy, and have proven to prevent serious disease and death from COVID-19. Should new safety signals be raised, this product will be reviewed at that time.

END.

17 June 2022 - NW2221

Motsepe, Ms CCS to ask the Minister of Health

(a) What are the reasons that the Warmbad Hospital in the Bela Bela Local Municipality in Limpopo (i) is without any medication and only gives out Panados to patients and (ii) has shortage of ambulances and (b) on what date will additional ambulances be provided to the hospital by his department?

Source
Link

Reply:

a) (i) Warmbad Hospital has medication available and patients have been issued with medication, for scripts issued by the medical officers in the hospital, as follows:

April 2022: 1,560 scripts dispensed with a value of R780,000.50. 30 % of these scripts had Panado as one of the medicine items, with other items, dispensed

May 2022: 1,469 scripts dispensed with a value of R678,000.90. 27 % of these scripts had Panado as one of the medicine items, with other items, dispensed

(ii) Ambulances operate in Limpopo from 56 ambulance stations, providing a primary emergency response to communities. Bela-Bela Local Municiplaity is served by two EMS stations namely Warmbad & Pienaarsrivier.

Warmbad EMS Station has five ambulances, with three crewed ambulances per shift. Pienaarsrivier has three ambulances, with two crewed ambulances per shift. Pienaarsrivier received a new ambulanced in April 2022. The province is in the process of procuring another 28 ambulances, that would be distributed based on needs, determined by call volumes. The Ambulances are provided to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Stations in the districts as they are responsible for EMS and not directly to the hospital.

b) Refer to response to (a)(ii) above.

END.

17 June 2022 - NW2254

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What is the strategy of his department in terms of combating (a) diabetes and (b) obesity; (2) what (a) programmes are currently in place to combat (i) obesity and (ii) diabetes and (b) are the current allocations for the specified programmes?

Source
Link

Reply:

1. (a) The strategy of the Department to combat Diabetes is contained in the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases 2022- 2027 (NSP NCDs). The Plan provides strategic guidance on the prevention, early detection, screening, and control of non-communicable diseases including diabetes. The NSP NCDS is aligned to the Integrated Clinical Services Management Model as part of the Ideal Clinic, the Adult Primary Care Tool implemented at primary health care facilities, the Essential Medicines List and 1Associated Standard Treatment Guidelines, the Centralised Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) Model. NCDs are integrated into the Primary Health Care Service Package (2015).

(b) The department developed and implemented the “Strategy for the prevention and control of obesity in South Africa 2015 – 2020”. The strategy is aimed at the prevention and control of obesity through modifying the obesogenic environments and drivers of obesity, while enhancing opportunities for increased physical activity and healthy food options in every possible setting, including healthcare facilities, early development centres, schools, workplaces, and the community at large. The strategy reached the end of its term and the Department is in the process of developing the updated strategy which began by reviewing the 2015-2020 strategy using interrogation of the theory of change in line with South Africa’s international policy commitments and national legislation, policy and plans, a literature review of international and national best practices, wide stakeholder engagement through online survey and small physical meetings, and finally, a national workshop with stakeholders. The best practices, stakeholder engagements and the review reports have been produced. The Department is currently consulting key stakeholders on the first draft of the updated strategy.

(2) (a) (i) The following are programmes to currently in place to combat obesity:

Implementation of the National guide for Healthy meal provisioning in the workplace in collaboration with the Department of Public Service and Administration
Implementation of the Nutrition Guidelines for Early Childhood Development programmes in collaboration with the Departments of Basic Education and Social Development
Increasing the availability of healthy food options through Healthy Food Options Initiatives programme of the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa
Nutrition education, information and advocacy in health facilities, ECD centres, schools, workplaces and communities at large through various campaigns e.g. World Breastfeeding Week, National Nutrition Week, Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Day and World Obesity Day in collaboration with other government departments, non-government organisations, dietetics and nutrition profession associations and academic institutions.
Promotion of physical activity in collaboration with Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Nutrition assessment, education and counselling of individuals in health facilities
Nutrition screening, assessment and referral of overweight and obese learners through the Integrated School Health Programme
Conducting research to guide policy and interventions i.e., National Dietary Intake Survey

(ii) Programmes currently in place to combat diabetes among others include.

Conducting health education and awareness programs on the need to promote wellness generally and on the causes of Diabetes during the commemoration of health events.
Undertaking screening for diabetes and referral of persons who fail screening or are at high risk, to health facilities including by trained Community Health Workers.
Creating access to medicines and consumables through the CCMDD Program,
Establishing a National Tender to ensure the availability of Strips for Glucometers
Ensuring that required medicines are on the Essential Medicines List.
Collaborating with relevant Stakeholders including civil society organisations and persons living with NCDS, including Diabetes.

(b) The current allocation to combat obesity and diabetes are inclusive of the Equitable Share received by provinces. The programme does not have a ring-fenced allocation however the Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Levy budget is also used for these programmes.

END.

17 June 2022 - NW2313

Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Health

With regard to the placement of medical interns, particularly foreign qualified medical doctors for the 2022-23 mid-year cycle, (a) what total number of posts will be available in each province and (b) on what date is it envisaged that such posts will be filled?

Source
Link

Reply:

With regard to the placement of foreign qualified medical students for the 2022-23 midyear cycle, applicants are expected to first comply with registration requirements for medical internship as outlined in the Regulation by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) prior allocation in a funded post.

(a) The number of posts that are currently being verified and finalized for the mid-year cycle are as follows per province:

Province	Number of Posts	Status
Eastern Cape	5	Posts are at the final stages of verification by Provinces in line with financial quantum
Free State	20
Gauteng	31
KwaZulu – Natal	29
Limpopo	7
Mpumalanga	3
Northern Cape	5
North West	18
Western Cape	6

(b) All posts are envisaged to be filled on 1 July 2022, with various commencement dates. Since these are replacement posts and current incumbents must first vacate the posts to allow new applicants to commence duty.

END.

17 June 2022 - NW2136

Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the Minister of Health

With reference to his reply to question 1334 on 5 May 2022 about age-specific excess deaths since March 2020, which states that 6 779 excess deaths were recorded for the age group 0-9 years, 1 803 for the age group 10-19 years and 4 709 for the age group 20-29 years, what proportion of the excess deaths does the SA Medical Research Council estimate to be directly attributable to (a) COVID-19 and (b) non-COVID-19 factors for each of the specified age groups

Source
Link

Reply:

(a) In an effort to determine the proportion of the excess deaths which are attributable to COVID-19 and what proportion are attributable to non-COVID factors, the SAMRC Burden of Disease Research Unit and University of Cape Town (UCT) Centre for Actuarial Research used the correlation of excess natural deaths with other measures of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa. Based on comparison of the time trends in excess deaths, the confirmed COVID-19 deaths (by date of occurrence), and proportions testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in 2020 and 2021, the SAMRC/UCT collaboration estimated that 85%-95% of excess deaths were directly related to COVID-19. However, it was not possible to assess whether this differs by age groups.

(b) The remaining 5-15% of the excess deaths are considered to be attributable to non-COVID-19 factors.

END.

17 June 2022 - NW2091

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

(a) What is the total number of critical skills personnel who are (i) employed in each public health care facility in each province, (ii) trained locally and (iii) sourced from other countries, (b) which countries do the specified personnel come from, (c) what is the current vacancy rate of critical skills in each public health care facility in each province and (d) what is the breakdown of the type of critical skills shortages in each public health care facility in each province?

Source
Link

Reply:

a) The core business in the health sector is born in health services as provided by health professions that requires various skills mix to respond to the burden of diseases in South Africa. In response to the question, the following critical skills that are required in majority numbers were concentrated on (i.e. Medical Practitioners Categories, Nursing Categories, Pharmacists and Emergency Medical Services)

(i) The table below indicate the total identified critical skill personnel per province

Critical Skills employed per Province - All citizenship categories as at May 2022
	Eastern Cape	Free State	Gauteng	KwaZulu Natal	Limpopo Province	Mpumalanga	North West	Northern Cape	Western Cape	Grand Total
NURSE CATEGORIES	20327	7158	31255	34714	16525	10256	9866	2618	13735	146454
EMS / PARAMEDICS	264	194	351	335	238	79	156	57	330	2004
MEDICAL PRACTIONER	2208	1116	6271	4639	1510	1227	1307	437	3400	22115
PHARMACIST	417	151	538	803	567	315	312	109	319	3531
Grand Total	23216	8619	38415	40491	18840	11877	11641	3221	17784	174104

(ii) A total of South African Citizens health professionals trained locally and employed in critical skills categories per provinces:

Critical Skills employed per Province - South African Citizenship as at May 2022
	Eastern Cape	Free State	Gauteng	KwaZulu Natal	Limpopo Province	Mpumalanga	North West	Northern Cape	Western Cape	Grand Total
NURSE CATEGORIES	20304	7143	31180	34687	16510	10237	9837	2614	13693	146205
EMS / PARAMEDICS	263	194	351	335	238	79	156	57	329	2002
MEDICAL PRACTIONER	2020	985	5643	4338	1402	1139	975	339	3266	20107
PHARMACIST	404	139	511	781	558	303	291	103	313	3403
Grand Total	22991	8461	37685	40141	18708	11758	11259	3113	17601	171717

*Data source is PERSAL System extracted on May 2022

(iii) Other citizenship critical skill categories sourced from Countries

Critical Skills employed per Province - Other Counties as at May 2022
	Eastern Cape	Free State	Gauteng	KwaZulu Natal	Limpopo Province	Mpumalanga	North West	Northern Cape	Western Cape	Grand Total
NURSE CATEGORIES	23	15	75	27	15	19	29	4	42	249
EMS / PARAMEDICS	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	2
MEDICAL PRACTIONER	188	131	628	301	108	88	332	98	134	2008
PHARMACIST	13	12	27	22	9	12	21	6	6	128
Grand Total	225	158	730	350	132	119	382	108	183	2387

*Data source is PERSAL System extracted on May 2022

b) The following data indicates the countries the specified personnel come from.

Critical Skills employed per Province - Other Counties as at May 2022
	Eastern Cape	Free State	Gauteng	KZN	Limpopo	Mpumalanga	North West	Northern Cape	Western Cape	Grand Total
ANGOLA			1	3						4
ARGENTINA				1						1
ARUBA			1							1
AUSTRALIA			1	1					1	3
AUSTRIA		1							1	2
BANGLADESH	1	1	1	9	2		3			17
BELGIUM	1		5	3	1	1			2	13
BOTSWANA	4	3	29	2	6		20	2		66
BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY	1					1				2
BULGARIA				3		1				4
BURKINA FASO									1	1
BURMA	1			1						2
BURUNDI				2					5	7
CAMEROON	1	1	8	1	2			1	4	18
CANADA			1	1	1				1	4
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC	1	1		1			1			4
CHILE			1							1
CHINA			5	2						7
COLOMBIA					1					1
COOK ISLANDS			1					2		3
COSTA RICA			1	1						2
COTE D_LVOIRE			2	1						3
CROATIA			1							1
CUBA	20	21	22	15	24	16	40	27		185
CURACAO					1			4		5
CZECH REPUBLIC									1	1
DENMARK			1							1
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC		1	1							2
EAST GERMANY	1			1						2
EGYPT	1		2		1		1			5
ENGLAND	3		1	2					10	16
ERITREA			4	1			1			6
ETHIOPIA		1	3	1	2		1		1	9
FRANCE	2		1	2						5
FRENCH GUIANA					1		1			2
FRENCH SOUTHERN TERRITORIES			1							1
GABON			1							1
GEORGIA					1					1
GERMANY	2		1			1	1		2	7
GHANA	10		6	6	1				1	24
HONG KONG						1				1
INDIA	18	6	37	14	10	3	14		3	105
INDONESIA			1							1
IRAN:ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF			6	1	1	3	3		1	15
IRAQ				1						1
IRELAND						1			1	2
ITALY	1		1							2
JAMAICA					1					1
JAPAN				1						1
KENYA	6		12	4	1	1	7	1	2	34
KOREA(NORTH)		1	1		1					3
KOREA(SOUTH)	2		1	1			2		4	10
LEBANON			1							1
LESOTHO	6	34	18	6	5	1	12	1	3	86
LIBERIA				2						2
LIBYA	4	1	1	6		1	7			20
MALAWI		2	8	4	3		2		3	22
MALI			1							1
MAURITANIA			1							1
MAURITIUS	2		6	5	1		1		7	22
MEXICO			1							1
MOZAMBIQUE			9	1		2	2			14
NAMIBIA	2	1	9	4	4	1	3	2	5	31
NEPAL						1				1
NETHERLANDS	1			1			1		7	10
NEW ZEALAND									1	1
NIGER							1		1	2
NIGERIA	36	14	66	45	14	26	33	9	18	261
NORWAY			1							1
PAKISTAN	6		8	2			1	1	1	19
PALESTINE: STATE OF		1								1
PHILIPPINES	2									2
POLAND					2				1	3
PORTUGAL			2							2
QATAR							1			1
REPUBLIC OF CONGO	42	37	266	87	9	13	152	44	36	686
ROMANIA			2							2
RUSSIAN FEDERATION			1							1
RWANDA		2	2	7	2	1		1	10	25
SCOTLAND								1		1
SENEGAL			1							1
SOMALIA	2									2
SOUTH SUDAN					1		1			2
SPAIN			1	2	1					4
SRI LANKA							1			1
SUDAN			4	1		1	1			7
SWAZILAND	2	3	16	6	2	10	2		1	42
SWEDEN									1	1
SWITZERLAND			1						1	2
SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC				1						1
TAIWAN	1			1						2
TANZANIA	2		1	1			2			6
TOGO							1			1
TUNISIA	2	4	1	13		7	6	3		36
TURKEY					1					1
UGANDA	7		9	7	2	2	3		1	31
UKRAINE		1				1	2		1	5
UNITED KINGDOM			3	5					5	13
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	4		3	1					3	11
URUGUAY			1							1
USSR			3	1	2					6
WEST GERMANY		1	3	1					3	8
YUGOSLAVIA			1							1
ZAIRE	3	6	8	2			5	3	1	28
ZAMBIA	2		8	7	3	5	7		4	36
ZIMBABWE	23	14	102	49	22	18	40	6	28	302
Grand Total	225	158	730	350	132	119	382	108	183	2387

*Data source is PERSAL report extracted in May 2022

c) The following is the current vacancy rate of critical skills in each province.

Critical Skills employed per Province - Vacancy rate as at May 2022
	Eastern Cape	Free State	Gauteng	KwaZulu Natal	Limpopo	Mpumalanga	North West	Northern Cape	Western Cape	Overall % Vacant
NURSE CATEGORIES	15.38	10.13	20.40	29.33	8.51	3.74	5.94	2.02	4.57	15.47
EMS / PARAMEDICS	10.72	11.60	49.21	8.96	3.69	0.53	5.27	1.76	8.26	28.39
MEDICAL PRACTIONER	8.42	13.58	16.15	23.95	20.97	3.12	4.21	2.40	7.19	16.22
PHARMACIST	13.76	8.56	10.40	16.51	25.99	4.89	11.31	2.75	5.81	9.26
Grand Total	14.34	10.59	20.32	28.04	10.26	3.60	5.76	2.07	5.01	15.59

*Data source is PERSAL report extracted in May 2022

d) The breakdown of the type of critical skills shortages in each province is as follows:

Vacant Posts in the Public Health Sector
JOB TITLE	Eastern Cape	Free State	Gauteng	KwaZulu Natal	Limpopo Province	Mpumalanga	North West	Northern Cape	Western Cape	Grand Total
NURSE CATEGORIES	3484	2294	4621	6644	1927	847	1346	457	1035	22655
EMS / PARAMEDICS	61	66	280	51	21	3	30	10	47	569
MEDICAL PRACTIONER	302	487	579	859	752	112	151	86	258	3586
PHARMACIST	45	28	34	54	85	16	37	9	19	327
Grand Total	3892	2875	5514	7608	2785	978	1564	562	1359	27137

Data source is PERSAL report extracted in May 2022

END.

17 June 2022 - NW2090

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

What (a) is the total number of (i) persons who claimed from the COVID-19 Vaccine Injury No-Fault Compensation Scheme, (ii) claims that were rejected and (iii) claims that were processed, including the full details of the type of vaccines taken and all other relevant details, (b) are the reasons that the claims were rejected and (c) are the full details in terms of the age groups of persons who were affected after vaccinations?

Source
Link

Reply:

Claims against the No Fault Compensation Fund (NFC) are only lodged after the conclusion of assessment of an Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) that has been determined by the National Immunisation Safety Expert Committee (NISEC) to be caused by the Vaccine. It is not compulsory for an affected person with a causally linked injury to claim.

a) (i) 2 appeal claims and 2 claims have been sent to the NFC. There are 68 eligible individuals (AEFI causally linked to the use of the vaccine)

(ii) No claims have been rejected

(iii) No claims have been processed.

b) No claims have been rejected, although not all claims will be eligible as the outcome of the event should be serious thus either resulting in death, permanent or temporary disability.

c) 68 AEFI linked to the use of the vaccine of which the outcomes were not all serious (Only serious outcomes will be compensated, need for compensation will be determined by the adjudication panel.)

M (14 ) F (54)
12-18y (3); 19-30y (15); 31-50y (19); above 50y (31)

END.

17 June 2022 - NW2089

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(a) What is the budget allocation for the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) services in the Republic, (b) how is the budget calculated for the specified services, (c) on what basis does a clinic turn away TOP patients, (d) what is the current backlog of TOPs, (e) what training is provided to staff to properly handle and support TOP patients, (f) what is the staff vacancy rate for those who conduct TOP services, (g) what is the breakdown of staff vacancies in this regard in each province, (h) what is his department doing to address the unwillingness of medical practitioners to perform TOP services thus creating a barrier to the services, (i) what total number of TOPs have been performed in the past five years and (j) what is the breakdown of the TOPs that were performed in each province?

Source
Link

Reply:

(a) There is no specific budget allocated for termination of pregnancy services, however the services are covered under Equitable Share

(b) There is no specific budget calculation for termination of pregnancy, the service/program is not a stand-alone programme it falls within the Women, Maternal and Reproductive Health at all level of care, therefore the calculation is done under Equitable share budget.

(c) The clinic cannot turn away the clients however; clinic can only refer clients on the following basis:

1. If there is no one trained and providing the termination of pregnancy services in a facility; the health care workers, don’t turn them away BUT refer clients where services are rendered
2. If the client is above 12 weeks, and there is no Doctor who can provide the above 12 weeks’ cases in a facility as stipulated in the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, 92 of 1996, then the client can be referred to next level of care where second trimester termination of pregnancy is offered;
3. If the client is above 20 weeks, however the client can be counselled on pregnancy resolutions e.g. adoption etc.

(d) The National Department of Health did not receive reports from provinces indicating challenges related to backlog on termination of pregnancy

(e) The National Department of Health has developed the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Training Package/Curriculum consisting of 14 modules.

1. Module one is compulsory and covers value clarification and mind transformation and

2. Module 7 is a specific module for termination of pregnancy (theory and practical session).

(f)-(g) Staff vacancy rate. The Department do not have the vacancy rate specific for termination of pregnancy however the service is being rendered under Women, Maternal and Reproductive Health programme. There is no breakdown of vacancies because termination of pregnancy is not a standalone programme it is offered under the Women, Maternal and Reproductive Health programme.

(h) The Department Conduct Value Clarification and mind transformation workshop to address unwillingness and negative attitude of the health care workers at all levels of care. Choice on termination of pregnancy guidelines (2019) provides guidance to managers, frontline workers and service users to respond to issues on conscientious objection which is described as blocking access to care .

(i)-(j) The following table reflects the details in this regard.

	Year	Total number of TOP’s performed in the last five years per province and National
		Province (i)	South Africa (National) (j)
		Eastern Cape	Free State	Gauteng	KwaZulu-Natal	Limpopo	Mpuma-langa	Northern Cape	North West	Western Cape
	2017	9,905	5,397	11,929	17,700	6,703	3,080	1,149	4,859	15,415	76,137
	2018	14,130	7,404	18,827	27,032	11,297	5,738	1,671	7,840	18,785	112,724
	2019	13,342	7,666	19,881	28,344	14,323	7,584	1,533	9,557	18,831	121,061
	2020	10,922	7,242	23,338	22,399	14,494	4,449	1,337	8,325	17,209	109,715
	2021	12,118	7,617	25,827	23,688	13,828	5,014	1,705	9,002	16,129	114,928
Source DHIS

END.

17 June 2022 - NW2047

Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Health

(1) Whether he or his department intends to disclose more information about the World Health Organisation (WHO) International Pandemic Treaty to opposition parties and the relevant portfolio committees, before voting to ratify it; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether the Government will resist relinquishing any of the Republic’s sovereignty to the WHO as part of the International Pandemic Treaty; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what are the main points that the South African delegation will try and negotiate into the specified treaty?

Source
Link

Reply:

1. Yes. Section 231 (1) of the Constitution is clear that the negotiation and signing of all international agreements is the responsibility of the national executive. Meaning that international agreements become national law only upon ratification by Parliament. The Minister of Health is therefore enjoined by the Constitution to submit the treaty to Parliament for consideration and approval.

2. No. The draft Pandemic Treaty will be subjected to legal scrutiny by State Law Advisers at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to ensure its compliance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

3. For South Africa, it is crucial that the treaty is anchored on human rights to ensure equitable access to available medical solutions in order to improve the health and well-being of all, regardless of socio-economic status or geographical location. Therefore the main points to be pushed by South Africa in this regard are access and equity.

END.

17 June 2022 - NW2043

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What total number of the qualified (a) nurses and (b) specialist medical personnel, who qualified from training programmes that have been in place since 2018, work in the (i) private sector and (ii) public sector; (2) what is the total budget that has been allocated towards the training of (a) nurses and (b) specialist medical personnel; (3) what total number of public-private partnerships are currently in place for the training of (a) nurses and (b) specialist medical personnel?

Source
Link

Reply:

The National Department of Health is working with the Provincial Departments of Health and the private health sector to source this information. As soon as the information has been received by the National Department of Health, the Minister will be able to furnish the full response to the Honourable Member and Parliament.

END.

09 June 2022 - NW2054

Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

Whether he has been informed of the development of an anti-COVID-19 prevention pill; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details on the (a) benefits of the product and (b) current status on its use, approval and accessibility?

Source
Link

Reply:

It is unclear what is meant by the term “anti-COVID-19 prevention pill”. Currently, the antiviral medicines available in oral dosage forms (“pills”) are intended to be used for the treatment of COVID-19, not for prevention.

The National Essential Medicines List (NEML) Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on COVID-19 Therapeutics has reviewed the available evidence for two oral antiviral products, molnupiravir and ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir. All rapid reviews are accessible from the National Department of Health website and are routinely updated when new evidence becomes available. Currently, the NEML MAC on COVID-19 Therapeutics does not recommend the use of either molnupiravir or ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir in the treatment of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Both of these medicines need to be used within five days of the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. They may also not be used during pregnancy, so women of childbearing potential would need access to effective contraception. Neither of these medicines has yet been registered in South Africa, by either the innovator manufacturers or generic producers. The NEML MAC on COVID-19 Therapeutics will continue to monitor the situation in terms of availability and pricing, as well as emerging evidence, and will update the reviews as necessary.

Apart from public health and social measures (such as mask-wearing), the primary means for the prevention of COVID-19 remains vaccination. Approved COVID-19 vaccines are available for all persons aged 12 years and older, and the evidence for their use in younger children is currently being reviewed.

END.

09 June 2022 - NW2048

Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether any correspondence has taken place between his department and The Presidency regarding the drafting and signing of a World Health Organisation International Pandemic Treaty; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what are the reasons that he has not brought the specified treaty, and issues related to it, to the Portfolio Committee on Health for discussion?

Source
Link

Reply:

A pandemic treaty is not imminent. Although Member States of the World Health Organization agreed in December 2021 that a new World Health Organisation (WHO) convention, agreement, or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response is needed, it will take years of negotiations to reach a final draft. 2024 is the target. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) leading this process will meet before the end of 2022 to discuss and consider a working draft treaty. The outcome of this meeting will determine whether there is a draft document that can be shared.

END.

09 June 2022 - NW2088

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether public health practitioners are insured against medico-legal claims; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the insurer; (2) whether there is a regulated framework in terms of the extent of the legal costs that can be charged; if not, why not; if so, will he furnish Mrs M O Clarke with a copy of the framework?

Source
Link

Reply:

(1) Public health practitioners are not insured against medico-legal claims. Section 76 (1) (h) of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999) (“PFMA”) read with Treasury Regulation 12.2 provides for the claims against the State through acts or omissions of officials and how they must be dealt with.

Treasury Regulation 12.2 provides that an institution must accept liability for any loss or damage suffered by another person, as for a claim against the state, which arose from an act or omission of an official, provided the official acted in the course of his or her employment and was not reckless, wilful or malicious.

In terms of Treasury Regulation 12.2.3 provides that an amount paid by the institution for losses, damages or claims arising from an act or omission of an official must be recovered from the official concerned if the official is liable in law to compensate the institution unless the institution has accepted liability in terms of paragraph 12.2.1.

(2) The regulated framework with regard to the legal costs and in particular the extent of the legal costs that can be charged by legal practitioners is the responsibility of the Department of Justice and not the Department of Health.

Section 35 (4) of the Legal Practice Act, 2014 (Act No.28 of 2014) (LPA) mandates the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) to investigate and report back to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development with recommendations on issues of fees and tariffs payable to legal practitioners.

In light of this, the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) was requested to conduct an investigation into legal fees. In light of the above the SALRC started with their Project 142. On 10 September 2020, the SALRC issued a Discussion Paper 150 with recommendations. Below are some of the recommendations from the SALRC relating to legal fees.

Recommendation 7.1 of the Discussion Paper: The imposition of a universal and compulsory tariff is undesirable not only for the legal profession, but for the economy of South Africa too.

Recommendation 7.2 of the Discussion Paper: The LPC (Legal Practitioners Council), as the regulatory body for the legal profession in the Republic, is the appropriate body to develop service-based attorney and client Fee Guidelines for determining legal fees in respect of all branches of the law.

N.B. More information can be obtained from the Department of Justice.

END.

09 June 2022 - NW2060

Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health

Whether he will sign the World Health Organisation International Pandemic Treaty; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Source
Link

Reply:

It is premature to decide on whether the Minister of Health will sign or not sign the proposed convention, agreement, or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response until a draft working document thereof is presented to Member States. The decision will therefore be informed by the scope of this Agreement in compliance with the prescripts in Section 231 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

END.

09 June 2022 - NW2002

van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Health

What is the total number of (a) births of babies born to illegal and/or undocumented migrants at public health facilities in each province in the past three years and (b) illegal and/or undocumented immigrants who are making use of health facilities for other medical services other than giving birth in each province as at the latest specified date for which information is available?

Source
Link

Reply:

(a) Legislative Mandate: The Department of Health strives to take reasonable legislative and other measures to achieve the progressive realisation of the right to have access to health care services including reproductive health care in terms of its Constitutional obligations. Section 27 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa states that everyone has the right to have access to health care services, including reproductive health care. Section 27 (3) further states that no one may be refused emergency medical treatment.

The statistics on the total number of babies who were born to illegal and/or undocumented migrants at public health facilities in each province in the past three years is not available as our health facilities do not keep statistics on foreign nationals.

(b) With regards to the number of illegal and/or undocumented immigrants who are making use of health facilities for other medical services other than giving birth in each province; due to community integration of migrants, the Department of Health is not able to determine the number of undocumented immigrants as this is not a policy requirement.

END.

09 June 2022 - NW1916

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

What (a) total number of (i) posts for the treatment of COVID-19 were provided to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, (ii) extra community service doctors were provided to the hospital since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and (iii) community service doctors will be incorporated into the hospital and (b) is the impact of the reduction of the COVID-19 grants on posts for the treatment of the COVID-19 pandemic at the hospital?

Source
Link

Reply:

The National Department of Health (NDOH) is consulting with the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health to source this information. The Minister will provide a full response to the Question as soon as the information has been received from the Gauteng Department of Health.

END.

09 June 2022 - NW1944

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What are the names of the service providers that are used by his department to remove medical waste at hospitals in each province; (2) (a) which hospitals were affected due to the nonpayment of service providers and (b) what are the reasons that the service providers were not paid on time; (3) what are the full, relevant details of vetted suppliers in his department on the Request For Quote system in each province?

Source
Link

Reply:

This information is not readily available at the National Department of Health (NDOH), it is in health facilities which fall under the administration of provinces. Accordingly the NDOH is consulting with the provincial departments of Health to source this information. The Minister will provide a full response to the Question as soon as the information has been received from provinces.

END.

09 June 2022 - NW1941

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What training programmes have been in place for (a) nurses and (b) specialist medical personnel in (i) 2018, (ii) 2019, (iii) 2020, (iv) 2021 and (v) 2022; (2) what total number of (a) nurses and (b) specialist medical personnel have qualified from such programmes in the specified academic years; (3) whether he will furnish Mrs M O Clarke with a list of the medical fields that all qualified medical personnel have qualified for in the specified years; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Source
Link

Reply:

(a) For Nurses:

Year:	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Programmes
R425 Diploma	√	√	√	Phasing out	Phasing out
R425 Degree	√	√	√	Phasing out	Phasing out
R169 (Higher Certificate)	New programme	√	√	√
R171 (3-year Diploma)	New programme	√	√	√
R174 (4-year Degree)	New programme	√	√	√
Post Basic Diplomas*	√	√	Phasing out
Post Graduate Diplomas**	New programmes	CHE accreditation outstanding	CHE accreditation outstanding

*Post Basic Diplomas: Advanced Midwifery; Advanced Psychiatry; Child Nursing; Critical Care; Community Health Nursing; Child Psychiatry; Nephrology; Oncology; Ophthalmology; Peri-operative Nursing; Primary Health Care; Trauma & Emergency, Nursing Education, Occupational Health and Safety, Nursing Administration.

**Post Graduate Diplomas: Midwifery; Mental Health; Child Nursing; Critical Care (Adult); Critical Care(Child); Community Health Nursing; Nephrology; Nursing Education; Occupational Health Nursing; Oncology & Palliative Nursing; Ophthalmic Nursing; Orthopaedic Nursing; Peri-operative Nursing; Primary Care Nursing; Emergency Nursing; Health Service Management; Forensic Nursing; Infection Prevention and Control Nursing.

(b) For Specialist Medical Personnel:

This is the list of the qualifications for specialist medical personnel that are recognized by the Health Professions Council of South Africa offered by South African Academic Institutions - Health Sciences Faculties:

Doctor of Medicine	Master of Medicine (Ophthalmology)	Master of Science (Sports Medicine)
Doctor of Medicine (Clinical)	Master of Medicine (Orthopaedics)	Master of Surgery
Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine)	Master of Medicine (Otorhinolaryngology)	Masters of Public Health
Master of Domestic Medicine	Master of Medicine (Otorhinolaryngology)	Postgraduate Diploma in General Ultrasound
Master of Emergency Medicine	Master of Medicine (Paediatrics)	Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Medicine and Health
Master of Family Practice	Master of Medicine (Pathology)	Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Medicine
Master of Medicine (Anaesthesiology)	Master of Medicine (Physical Medicine)	Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Evidence and Healthcare
Master of Medicine (Community Health)	Master of Medicine (Plastic Surgery)	Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Physiology)
Master of Medicine (Community Health)	Master of Medicine (Preventive Medicine)	Bachelor of Science (Aerospace Medicine)
Master of Medicine (Dermatology)	Master of Medicine (Psychiatry)	Diploma in Anaesthesiology
Master of Medicine (Emergency)	Master of Medicine (Radiological Diagnostics)	Diploma in Community Health
Master of Medicine (Family Medicine)	Master of Medicine (Radiology)	Diploma in Family Medicine
Master of Medicine (Forensic Medicine)	Master of Medicine (Surgery)	Diploma in Health Administration
Master of Medicine (Geriatrics)	Master of Medicine (Therapeutic Radiology)	Diploma in Industrial Health
Master of Medicine (Medicine)	Master of Medicine (Thoracic Surgery)	Diploma in Laryngology and Otology
Master of Medicine (Medical Administration)	Master of Medicine (Urology)	Diploma in Medical Administration
Master of Medicine (Neurology)	Master of Military Medicine	Diploma in Medical Radiology
Master of Medicine (Neurosurgery)	Master of Pharmacological Medicine	Diploma in Occupational Health
Master of Medicine (Nuclear Medicine)	Master of Science (Aerospace Medicine)	Diploma in Ophthalmology
Master of Medicine (Paediatric Surgery)	Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Science (Reproductive Biology)	Master of Science (Medicine)
Master of Medicine (Röntgenological Diagnosis)	Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medicine Science (Underwater Medicine)	Master of Science in Medicine (Bioethics and Health Law)
Master of Science (Medical Science in Clinical Epidemiology)	Diploma in Occupational Medicine	Diploma in Child Health
Postgraduate Diploma in Infection Control	Diploma in Oncochemotherapy	Diploma in Clinical Pathology
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Science (Hyperbaric Medicine)	Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Ethics	Diploma in HIV/AIDS Management
Diploma in Tropical Health	Master of Surgery (Ophthalmology)	Master of Science in Medical in Pharmacology
Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Pharmacology)	Master of Surgery (Orthopaedics))	Bachelor of Dental Therapy
Doctor of Philosophy (Nutrition)	Master of Surgery (Otorhinolaryngology)	Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Medical Virology)
Master of Medicine (Primary Health Care)	Diploma in Cardiac Surgery	Diploma in Industrial Medicine
Master of Medicine (Pathology (Anatomy))	Diploma in Community Medicine	Diploma in Maternal and Child Health
Master of Medicine (Pathology (Chemical))	Diploma in Palliative Medicine	Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Master of Medicine (Pathology (Clinical))	Diploma in Psychological Medicine	Doctor of Philosophy in Health Professions Education
Master of Medicine (Pathology (Forensic))	Diploma in Obstetrics	Master of Medical Science (Critical Care)
Master of Medicine (Pathology (Haematology))	Master of Medical Science (Pharmacology))	Master of Philosophy: Infectious Diseases
Master of Medicine (Pathology (Microbiology))	Diploma in Clinical Pharmacology	Diploma in Forensic Medicine
Master of Medicine (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery))	Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical HIV/AIDS Management	Philosophiae Doctor in Cardiothoracic Surgery
Master of Philosophy (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)	Master of Medicine (Cardiothoracic Surgery)	Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine
Master of Philosophy (Emergency Medicine)	Master of Medicine (Radiotherapy and Oncology)	Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Forensic Medicine
Master of Philosophy (Family Medicine / Primary Care)	Master of Medicine (Virology)	Doctor of Medicine (Psychiatry)
Master of Philosophy (Maternal and Child Health)	Masters in Occupational and Environmental Health	Doctor of Philosophy (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
Master of Philosophy (Medical Genetics)	Diploma in Health Services Management	Doctor of Science in Medicine
Master of Philosophy (Occupational Health)	Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology	Master in Philosophy in Applied Ethics
Master of Philosophy (Paediatric Pathology)	Doctor of Science in Medicine	Master of Medicine (Comprehensive Medicine)
Master of Philosophy (Palliative Medicine)	Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine)	Master of Medicine (Medical Genetics)
Master of Philosophy (Sports Medicine)	Master of Science in Medicine (Maternal and Child Health)	Master of Medicine (Occupational Medicine)
Diploma in Tropical Health	Master of Surgery (Ophthalmology)	Master of Science in Medical in Pharmacology
Diploma in Medicine	Diploma in Radiological Diagnosis	Diploma in Travel Medicine
Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology	Diploma in Radiotherapy	Certificate in Paediatric Neurology
Diploma in Ophthalmic Medicine and Surgery	Diploma in Surgery	Certificate in Gynaecological Oncology
Diploma in Paediatrics	Certificate in Critical Care	Certificate in Trauma Surgery
Diploma in Physical Medicine	Diploma in Primary Emergency Care	Cert Paed Neurol (SA)
Diploma in Psychological Medicine	Diploma in Allergology	Cert Gyn Oncol (SA)
Diploma in Public Health	Diploma in Cytology	Cert Trauma Surg (SA)
Diploma in Sleep Medicine	Diploma in Mental Health	Certificate in Urogynaecology
Diploma in Travel Medicine

(2) (a) For Nurses:

Programmes	Output per year
	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
4 Year Diploma and Degree	3322	3564	3736	3608	3535
1 Year Higher Certificate		178
Specialist Nurses	4954	4527	4971	3372	4445

*All statistics obtained and collated from SANC (https://www.sanc.co.za/sanc-statistics/)

(b) For Specialist Medical Personnel:

The following is the number of Medical Specialists that qualified and registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa between the years 2018 – 2022 in all the Specialist disciplines:

2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	Grand Total
679	624	556	724	236	2 819

* Annexure B attached provides a comprehensive information per discipline

(3) The table below shows the numbers of Medical personnel that have qualified between 2018 and 2022 as recognized by the Health Professions Council of South Africa for registration.

					REGISTRATION_YEAR
BRD_CODE	PROFESSIONAL_BOARD_NAME	REG_TYPE	REGISTER_CODE	REGISTER_NAME	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	Grand Total
MDB	MEDICAL AND DENTAL PROFESSIONS BOARD	Intern	GCIN	INTERN GENETIC COUNSELLOR	3	5	3	6		17
			GRIN	INTERN GENETIC COUNSELLOR	1					1
			IN	INTERN	1,607	515	2,421	2,474	2,303	9,320
			MSIN	INTERN MEDICAL SCIENTIST	80	56	12	92	12	252
			PHIN	INTERN MEDICAL PHYSICIST	10	11	21	7	4	53
		Intern Total			1,701	587	2,457	2,579	2,319	9,643
		Practitioner	CA	CLINICAL ASSOCIATE	131	140	61	145	33	510
			DP	DENTIST	216	207	206	195	202	1,026
			GC	GENETIC COUNSELLOR		8	3	3	2	16
			MP	MEDICAL PRACTITIONER	1,782	2,146	1,900	2,111	2,279	10,218
			MS	MEDICAL BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST	30	34	51	38	13	166
			PH	MEDICAL PHYSICIST	6	7	11	6	3	33
		Practitioner Total			2,165	2,542	2,232	2,498	2,532	11,969
	MEDICAL AND DENTAL PROFESSIONS BOARD Total				3,866	3,129	4,689	5,077	4,851	21,612

END.

09 June 2022 - NW2053

Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

What (a) total number of COVID-19 related (i) products, (ii) tests, (iii) personal protective equipment, (iv) treatment and/or (v) vaccines has the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority processed, (b) number of the processed items were (i) approved and/or (ii) rejected and (c) are the reasons for each decision made in each case?

Source
Link

Reply:

a) The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has processed –

37 products,
389 tests,
198 personal protective equipment,
0 treatment (7 currently in process) and/or
12 vaccines related to COVID – 19;

b) (i) 494 processed items were approved and

(ii) 275 were rejected; and

(c) the reasons for decision made in each case are as follows:

Incomplete documents submitted,
Test kits not meeting performance requirements, and
No originating approval from one of the 6 recognized jurisdictions.

END.

09 June 2022 - NW2052

Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

(1)What is the update on the request that racism, misogyny and sexism be investigated at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, following the incident where Ms Mpho Seleka, a former employee of the National Health Laboratory Services, who after reporting abuse to the committee member, was shortlisted for an interview which was revoked two nights before; (2) what are the facts surrounding the specified person’s case; (3) why was the person (a) shortlisted and/or (b) released from doing the interview; (4) who are the persons who took these decisions?

Source
Link

Reply:

1. This question was raised at the Portfolio Committee held on the 19 April 2022. The NHLS CEO investigated these matters and responded to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee in the letter dated 17 May 2022 (see attached letter).

Ms Seleka was a senior scientist at NICD and was charged with misconduct. She was subsequently dismissed, and the matter was later concluded at the CCMA as a result of a settlement agreement reached by both parties.

2. A report detailing a sequence of events surrounding the specified person’s case are found in the attached report.

3. Ms Mpho Seleka has never applied to the NHLS nor NICD after her services were terminated.

4. The NHLS confirms that Ms Mpho Seleka has never applied to the NHLS nor NICD after her services were terminated. There is, therefore, no record of her being invited to the interview and later released.

END.

Questions and Replies

15 September 2022 - NW2712

Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

15 September 2022 - NW2705

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

15 September 2022 - NW2629

Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

15 September 2022 - NW2550

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

15 September 2022 - NW2474

Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

15 September 2022 - NW2438

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

15 September 2022 - NW2717

Xaba, Mr N to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

01 July 2022 - NW2415

Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

01 July 2022 - NW2354

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

01 July 2022 - NW2374

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

01 July 2022 - NW2352

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

01 July 2022 - NW2342

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

01 July 2022 - NW2353

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

01 July 2022 - NW2336

Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

01 July 2022 - NW2331

Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

01 July 2022 - NW2418

Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

24 June 2022 - NW2314

Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

24 June 2022 - NW2324

Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

24 June 2022 - NW2144

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

24 June 2022 - NW2155

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

24 June 2022 - NW2156

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

24 June 2022 - NW2241

Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

24 June 2022 - NW2252

Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

24 June 2022 - NW2271

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

24 June 2022 - NW2332

Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

24 June 2022 - NW2417

Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

Reply:

17 June 2022 - NW2006