Cape Town - The ANC in the province has rejected the 2022 adjusted budget estimates for health, citing “notable reductions” in equitable share including delays around the Klipfontein Regional Hospital project, formerly known as GF Jooste hospital.
“The budget proposals made by the department don't come near addressing the critical challenges experienced across all public healthcare centres, including staff and bed shortages as well as increased service pressures,” said ANC MPL and spokesperson for health in the province, Rachel Windvogel.
“DA complacency in the Western Cape is also exposed in the failure of this department to spend the funds allocated for rebuilding of the GF Jooste hospital. At this rate, it is clear that the much needed regional hospital to cater for the Klipfontein region will be completed after 2052.”
She added that the Mitchells Plain District Hospital management said it needed R300m to address its challenges, while Khayelitsha District Hospital (KDH) requested R150m.
“In a written reply to my question on how the adjusted budget would respond to these challenges, she (Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo) said KDH would only be allocated an additional R26.6m; while MPH would only receive R2.4m.
Ceres Hospital, despite all its challenges, will only receive R1. 5m. How long will our public healthcare centres be able to cope with the added service pressures due to the closure of the GF Jooste hospital?
We note with concern the reduction in the equitable share as well as reduction in the infrastructure budget, capital projects and maintenance at Tygerberg Hospital.
The ANC therefore correctly rejects this budget for complacency.” GF Jooste Hospital in Manenberg was the only hospital serving the Klipfontein area, which comprises Manenberg, Gugulethu and Nyanga.
It served about 1.1 million people, with 224 beds and over 12 000 admissions annually.
It was decommissioned eight years ago with plans to build the bigger 640-bed Klipfontein Regional Hospital, which forms part of the Manenberg Urban Upgrade.
The initial completion date was set for 2029 but is now scheduled for 2031.
Health Department spokesperson, Mark van der Heever said: “The Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) views the construction of the Klipfontein Regional Hospital as a mega project which will greatly benefit the community and the larger Western Cape population.”
The project is in Concept Stage (stage 2) and the evaluation of the Professional Service Provider (PSP) tender is currently being undertaken. It is anticipated that the construction completion date is scheduled for 2031. This year, the main activity will be the preparation of a concept design.”
Requests to Mbombo’s office for comment were not responded to by deadline.
Cape Times