Gauteng health wants its money back
The Gauteng health department is setting up technical teams to determine how much it can recoup of the R382-million it is owed by the Limpopo and North West health departments. The two provinces appear to be experiencing cash flow problems.The Gauteng health department is owed R693-million in patient fees from referrals from neighbouring provinces and a large portion of this - R636.5-million - is debt that is more than 120 days old.The department might be able to recover only R17.6-million.The department said it has to balance the books while adhering to constitutional demands to provide healthcare to patients, regardless of their ability to pay."According to law, nobody can be refused treatment at our state health facilities."The department continually engages with the other provinces and the national departments on the monies owed to ensure that revenues due are constantly followed up," said spokesman Steve Mabona.For patients in Gauteng, a new information verification system will allow public health facilities to determine which patients can be charged and how much, depending on their income.Mabona said the department generated more than R300-million in revenue last year ."The department has implemented a patient information verification system to ensure that the correct demographics and income classification are captured," said Mabona...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.