Question NW2536 to the Minister of Health
22 September 2023 - NW2536
Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Health
Whether, with reference to his reply to question 2421 on 30 June 2023, he is now in a position to provide the outstanding information regarding the (a) Eastern Cape, (b) Free State, (c) Gauteng and (d) Western Cape; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Table 1 below indicates the number state mortuaries in the four (4) provinces over capacity status as of 29 August 2023.
Table 1:
|
Province |
Total number of State Mortuaries with over capacity |
|
Eastern Cape |
None |
|
Free State |
None |
|
Gauteng |
8 |
|
Western Cape |
None |
(2) All facilities in the four provinces have back-up generator capacity. However, there are adverse impact on equipment (Generators and Fridges) as breakage are increasing due to frequent electrical surges. High diesel costs are also experienced.
(3) Table 2 below indicates the status of unclaimed bodies at state mortuaries in the four (4) provinces as of 29 August 2023.
Table 2
|
Province |
Total number of unclaimed bodies |
|
Eastern Cape |
315 |
|
Free State |
108 |
|
Gauteng |
1009 |
|
Western Cape |
(4) No. There are continuous discussions between Forensic pathology service, local municipalities, and the South African Police service with regards to unclaimed bodies.
END.