Gauteng public hospitals have spent a combined R42.5m on diesel for generators so far this year.
According to acting Gauteng health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, this expenditure is despite many facilities running out of diesel.
In a response to questions in the legislature, Nkomo-Ralehoko said Gauteng’s public hospitals and clinics had suffered 181 generator failures this year due to a shortage of diesel during load-shedding.
Tshwane has been hardest hit, with its clinics running out of diesel 98 times.
Johannesburg generators in clinics ran out 52 times. In the Vaal area there were 15 incidents of diesel shortage and there were five incidents in Ekurhuleni clinics.
Thembisa Hospital ran out of diesel six times this year, Sebokeng Hospital had two incidents, and Bronkhorstspruit and Heidelberg hospitals each had a single incident of fuel shortage.
There should never be a diesel shortage, as it is a readily available product
— Jack Bloom, DA shadow minister of health
According to DA MPL and the party’s shadow minister of health, Jack Bloom, the expenditure was almost double the R22.5m for the same period last year.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said the increase in cost was due to the “increase in cost estimates from various contributing factors such as inflation, price adjustment as per contract signed off with the National Treasury, rate of consumption due to load-shedding and other variables”.
The diesel shortages are caused by high demand. “The National Treasury contract has resulted in a number of suppliers being awarded the tender per province. The inability of the main contractor has led to other substitutes appointed to assist in the supply of diesel. The issue of load-shedding increased demand, which directly impacted on the appointed contractor’s ability to supply large quantities and on time.”
Bloom said he was alarmed by the generator failures as they disrupt health services and put lives in danger.
“There should never be a diesel shortage, as it is a readily available product,” he said.
“Hospital and clinic managers should always monitor their diesel supplies closely and ensure they have enough to run during power failures.
“As load-shedding and other power outages continue, it is vital that generators in hospital and clinics are properly maintained and always have sufficient diesel.”
TimesLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.