Question NW1858 to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
03 September 2021 - NW1858
Weber, Ms AMM to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
1 Whether, in view of the fact that the doctors in the Kruger National Park (KNP), who have always been private doctors, will be permanently closed from 31 May 2021 as there was a tender process to appoint a medical doctor at Skukuza in the KNP; if not, why not; if so, (a) who was appointed and (b) on what date did the doctor start working; 2. whether the newly appointed doctor works full-time or only deals with emergencies; 3. whether SANParks budgeted for a doctor and all the equipment that is needed for a doctor to run a practice, as this is not a private practice; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what amount did SANParks budget for the equipment to ensure the doctor can be equipped to run a practice; 4. whether there was a transfer of medical files; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Although SANParks has no legal obligation to provide general medical services to the residents or visitors of the Kruger National Park, it is in SANParks interest to retain the provision of such essential services that include, but not limited to, emergency and occupational health services. In addition to the medical services provided by General Practitioners (at the Skukuza Medical Centre), a Clinic in Skukuza is open five days a week and available to the public. The Clinic provides a range of services including primary health care, and is able to provide support for emergencies.
The relationship of the doctor to patients at the Skukuza Medical Centre is a private relationship and is not a service provided by SANParks. However, as the service is provided on SANParks properly it has to be treated like other commercial ventures and is subject to public procurement processes.
The provision of medical services at KNP was impacted by the termination of services of the previous doctor at very short notice due to non-fulfilment of contractual obligations. As a result, despite SANParks efforts, there was not a smooth hand over between the previous and current doctors.
SANParks secured the services of Dr L Masithi Incorporated (Practice No. 0578169) - effective 01 June 2021 for a three month period ending on 31 August 2021 on an emergency procurement as per National Treasury SCM Practice note no. 3 of 2016/2017.
SANParks is redefining the scope of occupational and general medical services required in the Kruger National Park. This is with a view to the procurement of a long term (minimum five years) service provider more relevant to the emergency and occupational health needs of the Park. A RFQ is in the interim being finalised for a three month appointment (1 September — 30 November) whilst the longer term procurement is being completed.
The Medical practice at Kruger National Park (KNP) was not permanently closed, there has been a continuous medical service provided in the Kruger National Park by private doctors who are appointed through a tender process.
Dr L Masithi Incorporated was appointed; and
Dr L Masithi started working on 01 June 2021.
The Medical practice is offering a full spectrum of medical services on Weekdays (7am — 12 noon and 1pm — 4pm) and Saturdays (7am — 12 noon) and after hours emergency services.
KNP has a budget of approximately R1 million per annum for the newly appointed doctor to provide specified services. The budget includes monthly retainer payment and costs for equipment and operations. In addtion, all equipment needed for a doctor to run a practice is available and the equipment is owned by SANParks.
Files have been requested from the previous doctor and to date there has been no response as
per KNPs request. Several attempts were made to retrieve the files from the previous doctor without success. The newly appointed doctor has initiated a process of opening a new file for every patient that comes for consultation.
Regards
MS B D CREECY, MP
MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
DATE: