Question NW838 to the Minister of Health

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04 June 2020 - NW838

Profile picture: Ismail, Ms H

Ismail, Ms H to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether he will furnish Ms H Ismail with a full report of the shortages of personal protective equipment and hand sanitisers in public health facilities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) how does his department intend to reimburse healthcare staff who are exceeding their overtime hours due to the Covid-19 pandemic?

Reply:

1. Yes, of the 1 854 facilities reporting stock availability information, the overall availability at these facilities across all personal protective equipment including hand sanitisers is 62.7%.

There is stock available at all facilities in all provinces. However, there are some facilities that are reporting an out of stock of some items.

2. The Department allocates overtime within the prescribed Public Service Regulation of 2016 as amended, section 49(1)(c). However, should there be proof that there are healthcare workers who are or exceeded their planned overtime hours due to Covid-19, they will be reimbursed through a request for approval from the Department of Public Service and Administration to deviate from the regulation to exceed the 30% threshold of employees’ monthly salary or the limitation determined by the Minister of Public Service and Administration, whichever is the lesser.

The Department is committed in ensuring that all healthcare staff work within the prescribed regulations to avoid such, if occurred.

END.

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