Health dept to monitor spending

2008-11-25 22:05

Johannesburg - The health department will set up a team to monitor spending by provincial health departments, the SABC reported.

"I have spoken to my colleagues in the National Treasury to set up an in-house treasury at our national department, because that's often where the shut-down is happening," Minster Barbara Hogan said.

She was speaking at the Zuzimpilo Medical Centre for HIV/Aids and related diseases in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

"What we need to have is early warning systems, so we can see when a provincial health department is experiencing problems."

Hogan said this would prevent shortages in medicines and healthcare.

It was crucial that her department had early warning systems in place.

Last week the Free State reported a shortage of antiretrovirals.

"We have had some teething problems in the Free State when the distribution of ARVs was shut down recently... Officials were immediately sent to the province to ensure that processes were able to continue."

She also said the quality of healthcare received in the private sector was needed in the public sector as well.

"I also wish to acknowledge those working in the public sector... we hear you, and the conditions you are working under.

"Zuzimpilo is an extraordinary initiative. We require full force from all frontiers."

She said South Africa rolled out more ARVs than anywhere else in the world.

On the recent cholera outbreak, she said the department was doing everything it could and was setting up more rehydration centres at the Beitbridge border post near Musina.

"We are also engaging with health organisations in Zimbabwe at the moment and the World Health Organisation... but the problem is mainly in Zimbabwe."

Before being clad in traditional garb by members from the clinic, Hogan called on the country to stop what it was doing for 15 minutes on Monday, World Aids Day.

"Stop and think about personally committing yourself to fighting Aids, and honour those who have passed on due to the disease.

"We must not forget, and we must renew our commitment," she said.

- SAPA