Question NW1682 to the Minister of Health

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19 May 2022 - NW1682

Profile picture: Chirwa, Ms NN

Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health

Following the National Health Laboratory Services’ insourcing of cleaners and security guards, by what date will (a) the remaining entities of his department follow suite and (b) his department insource cleaners and security guards at clinics and hospitals?

Reply:

a) Following the National Health Laboratory Services’ insourcing of cleaners and security guards, the remaining entities have advised as follows regarding insourcing of cleaners and security guards:

  • Council for Medical Schemes (CMS): The CMS insourced the cleaning personnel on 1 November 2016. The cleaning personnel enjoy employment benefits such as 100% subsidized medical aid, group life and disability cover as well as training opportunities. However, no decision has been taken on the insourcing of security personnel due to budgetary constraints.
  • South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA): the SAHPRA is currently making use of outsourced security and cleaning services with contracts expiring in 2024. Going forward an analysis to review the current structure of the services will be conducted before expiry of the current contracts to determine the possible insourcing of the services.
  • South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC): the SAMRC has evaluated in-sourcing and has been in discussion with labour. To this end, the in-sourcing of Patterson A and B staff has been included in the SAMRC. However, given the specialized nature of security, and the scope of business of research, the SAMRC cannot afford to develop this capacity to include security as in-sourced personnel since this requires in-depth situational analysis and specialized expertise of which the SAMRC does not have nor is able afford to acquire.
  • Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC): the OHSC has two (2) contracts; (1) Cleaning Services for three (3) years ending 28 February 2024; and (2) Security Services for three (3) years ending September 2023. The OHSC will, prior to the expiry of the contracts, conduct an assessment and accordingly take a decision with regard to the future of cleaning and security services.

(b) This information is not readily available at the National Department of Health, it is with the Provinces and in municipalities as these are managed there. We are sourcing this information from provinces and municipalities and submit the full response as soon as such information is received.

END.

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