Gauteng Health Crisis: Gas Supply Cut at Charlotte Maxeke and Rahima Moosa Hospitals Over Unpaid Debt

The financial crisis in the Gauteng health department has once again placed patient care at risk, with Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital facing disruptions after gas supplies were cut due to an unpaid R15 million debt.

Gas Supply Cut at Two Major Hospitals

Egoli Gas halted supply more than a week ago after the health department failed to settle its outstanding bill, causing disruptions in hospital operations. The cut-off has raised concerns about the department’s ability to manage its finances and provide uninterrupted healthcare services.

At Rahima Moosa, staff have resorted to using gas cylinders in the kitchen and electric autoclaves for sterilisation to compensate for the lack of central gas supply. Meanwhile, at Charlotte Maxeke, the impact has been felt in the sterilisation of medical equipment and domestic hot water supply.

‘Severe Financial Mismanagement’ – DA Criticises Gauteng Health Department

Jack Bloom, the DA’s shadow health MEC in Gauteng, has slammed the department’s handling of its finances, calling it “severe financial mismanagement.”

“The DA is appalled that the department’s disastrous mismanagement leads to major companies cutting off essential supplies to hospitals,” said Bloom.

He pointed out that the department is facing a financial deficit of over R7.3 billion, a figure expected to exceed R9 billion by the end of the financial year on March 31.

Hospitals Struggle as Financial Woes Deepen

This is not the first time Gauteng hospitals have been affected by non-payment issues. In December, hospitals also faced power supply disruptions when City Power cut off electricity due to unpaid bills exceeding R40 million.

Bloom warned that the department’s financial mismanagement has forced some suppliers to stop providing medical products, with orthopedic surgeries being postponed until the next financial year in April.

“Hospitals can find alternatives, but they shouldn’t have to – proper financial planning should ensure all necessary supplies are available,” he said.

Calls for Management Overhaul

Bloom has called for the removal of health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and department head Lesiba Malotana, blaming “incompetent top management” for the ongoing crisis.

“Premier Panyaza Lesufi must take decisive action. He has to either implement a radical management overhaul or place the department under administration,” he said.

Department Responds, Promises Solutions

In response to the crisis, the Gauteng health department said the late payments were due to contractual disputes and assured the public that hospital services were not completely halted.

The department also stated that it is exploring alternative solutions, such as biofuel, to prevent future supply interruptions.

“The hospitals continue to operate as normal. In the main, the hospitals will supply quick-freeze food to patients and use nearby facilities for sterilisation,” a department spokesperson said.

As financial instability continues to disrupt hospital operations, will the Gauteng health department take the necessary steps to resolve its deepening crisis?

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