Question NW2276 to the Minister of Health
11 December 2024 - NW2276
Mhlongo, Ms N to ask the Minister of Health
Whether his department and/or he has the power to take steps to (a) address staff shortages and (b) upgrade infrastructure at rural hospitals like the Hlabisa Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal that faces severe challenges affecting service delivery; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) what steps has he or his department taken in each case and (ii) how will his department improve record-keeping systems to prevent the recurring loss of critical patient health records in hospitals?
Reply:
a) The powers of the Minister are limited to setting up norms, standards and regulations. The Minister will thereby consult with the National Health Council so that these can be discussed there, and provinces that are lagging behind will be encouraged to catch up;
b) The National Department of Health oversees the revitalisation of health infrastructure. Provinces must adhere to established infrastructure norms and standards while revitalising all health facilities. Additionally, the department enforces legislative frameworks such as the Infrastructure Development Management System (IDMS) and the Government Immovable Asset Management Act (GIAMA), which guide and regulate the revitalisation process of these projects.
Control is further exercised through the conditions attached to the funding mechanisms for these projects. One example is the Health Facility Revitalisation Grant (HFRG), which typically has an annual budget of approximately R7 billion. Provinces are allocated this budget upon submitting an annual User Asset Management Plan (UAMP). These mechanisms govern projects related to backlog maintenance, rehabilitation, renovations, upgrades, additions, and the construction of new facilities.
In KwaZulu-Natal, for example, the upgrades to the ambulance station and planned maintenance at Hlabisa Hospital are funded through the HFRG and Equitable Share (ES). As of May 2023, the Outpatient Department (OPD) upgrades achieved practical completion. For the 2024/2025 financial year, a total of R3.6 million has been allocated from the HFRG and the ES to support the ongoing work at this facility.
END.