Question NW281 to the Minister of Health
17 March 2022 - NW281
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he has been informed that from 9 February 2022 to date, the ambulances of Kimberley in the Northern Cape were not operating due to petrol cards which were declined; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No, I was not informed about the matter.
However, on enquiry Northern Cape Department of Health (NCDOH) indicated that petrol cards were placed on hold by the service provider due to nonpayment and during this period ambulances did not stop operating as there was an arrangement made with the service providers.
The NCDOH has engaged with the service provider and has come to an arrangement for payment of outstanding accounts. The agreement included partial payment on a scheduled basis towards the accumulated outstanding balances from November 2021 and that essential vehicles fuel cards would not be placed on hold.
There is also an additional contingency plan in place of using alternative service providers as a last resort to ensure that there is no disruption of ambulance services in the province.
END.