Question NW3708 to the Minister of Health
15 November 2023 - NW3708
Jacobs, Dr KL to ask the Minister of Health
(a) What are the relevant details of the challenges his department is facing in dealing with provinces that underspend on their allocated budgets and (b) how does his department intend to overcome the specified challenges as the health system and the ability of his department to deliver on its mandate of providing accessible, quality health care is negatively impacted?
Reply:
a) The underspending within infrastructure funding amongst others, are mostly due to unforeseen incidents such as floods, construction interruption by communities, inability of service providers to deliver in time, which result in termination of contracts.
Current antiretroviral (ARVs) contracts within HIV&AIDS program were awarded at much lower rates compared to previous contracts, this has resulted in savings and in underspending while much needed drugs were delivered.
b) The department has started with the mid-year conditional spending reviews to identify the provinces with challenges. The conditional grant spending reviews includes the assessment of grant framework and improvement plans from the provinces.
All provinces are due to submit the revised business plans to shift funds from underperforming activities to ensure improved spending and provision of quality health care. Stopping and reallocation process will be completed before beginning of January 2024 to shift funds from underperforming provinces.
END.