CHRIS Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto does not have enough cold storage capacity to order food supplies in large numbers, resulting in a food shortage.
This was revealed during a visit to the hospital by Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
“I was made aware by hospital management of the challenges and inconsistency when it comes to the supply of groceries at the hospital and the contingencies that they put in place to ensure patients’ meals continue to be provided.
“As part of my regular service delivery oversight visits to our health facilities, I had an opportunity to engage with the team here at the hospital on a number of matters including the burning issue of the allegations of essential food shortage in the facility,” said the MEC.
In a recent article published by Daily Maverick, the publication pointed out that they received a complaint from a department head alerting them about the food crisis in the health facility.
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According to the publication, the official hinted that this was a long-standing problem that “has now reached crisis point because companies are refusing to deliver because of non-payment".
A report given to Nkomo-Ralehoko by management revealed that there were contributing issues, including contract management, cold storage and capacity of suppliers.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said the department would have to review this matter so that services are not compromised.
“I need to reiterate once more that from the update received, we can confirm that while the situation at Bara is not ideal, there is no patient who went through a day without receiving their meals.
"As things stand, all meals have been provided to date, including special meals,” she said.
Meanwhile, DA Gauteng shadow health MEC Jack Bloom called out the MEC for blaming poor contract management and a shortage of cold storage capacity on food not being produced at large quantities.
"Is she only discovering this now?" Bloom said.
He said it was hard to believe that the hospital was facing food shortages yet again, which now sees doctors arranging to feed patients.
"Why has the hospital CEO not been effective in ensuring reliable food supplies and fixing the cold storage problem? Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is also mysteriously quiet in this matter.
"The hard truth is that disasters keep occurring in the Gauteng Health Department because of incompetent and corrupt political appointees. Meanwhile, staff and patients suffer when suppliers are not paid in time, and money is siphoned off by crooks," Bloom said.
