Question NW432 to the Minister of Health
22 March 2024 - NW432
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
Whether an assessment of all public hospitals has been undertaken to determine if their equipment and consumable needs will be met within the budget of R848 billion allocated to his department over the Medium-term Expenditure Framework by the Minister of Finance, Mr E Godongwana; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
On 21st February 2024, the Minister of Finance announced 2024 MTEF allocation of R848 billion for the health sector which is inclusive of the following obligations:
- Payment of current employees and the impact of the wage bill agreement
- Provision of the health services in all facilities
- Medical equipment and consumables
- Maintenance and construction of new facilities
The consolidated assessment of equipment and consumables was not undertaken, however, health facilities do develop a demand plan for their equipment and consumables. Upon the budget allocation by the Provincial Treasury, Provincial Departments of health allocates the budgets and develop annual procurement plans.. The total allocated budget over the 2024 MTEF is R15,5 billion for machinery and equipment combined and R7.2 billion for consumables of which are medical supplies and laboratory services. Due to budgetary constraints, it is possible that the equipment and consumables needs will not be met based on the allocated budget.
END.