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The Gauteng MEC for Health, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa has cited the payment of suppliers, stabilising finances of the department and strengthening partnership with business community as top priorities. Dr Ramokgopa said this at a meeting with 80 suppliers at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital on Thursday.

The department has committed to work closely with Treasury to begin to clear accruals with an aim to start paying service providers within 30 days. MEC Ramokgopa informed the meeting that a new payment system of suppliers has been introduced and all invoices already captured on the system will be re-loaded for payment during the first two weeks of April.

“The department is currently working with 13 chartered accountants and this number will go up in the next financial year to double the output, dealing with accruals, and inefficiencies within the department,” explained Dr Ramokgopa.

The meeting resulted in the formation of a forum between the department and business. This forum will meet quarterly to ensure that targets and resolutions are met while strengthening the partnership.

The MEC stressed that the department and business needed to work together in ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted quality service in a mutually beneficial relationship is provided. “You are key partners for us to provide a befitting service that is self-respecting for South Africans,” said Dr Ramokgopa.

The meeting was followed by an oversight visit to the maternity ward of the hospital. A walkabout at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital was also conducted following complaints the MEC had received from the community regarding the institutions.

Issued by Department of Health Gauteng Province