Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela has expressed concern about the conditions she found at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto during a surprise visit to the facility.
This is part of her office’s on-going national stakeholders dialogue. The visit also served as an inspection-in-loco for the systemic investigation.
The Public Protector is conducting an investigation following a complaint from a group of doctors at the hospital.
The complaint primarily relates to irregularities and inefficiencies in the procurement of hospital medicines and equipment leading to interruptions in essential services.
Meanwhile, Madonsela says it appears government has no plan in place to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Her office’s ongoing national stakeholder dialogue and public hearings seek to strengthen government’s ability to deliver on the MDG’s.
“We are going around the country talking to people about their experiences of maladministration. Mainly maladministration to the country’s goals on millennium development,” says Madonsela.
She adds: “Our duty is to fight against maladministration and ensuring that access to quality health care is not undermined. I don’t seem to think that there is a plan or at least we haven’t visited a single province where there is a plan on how to end poverty.”