Some providers of medical devices in Gauteng have seen some payments from the provincial department of health in the last weeks, yet the outstanding total has increased from R364.5 million in early December to R403.8 million by middle-January.

The South African Medical Devices Industry Association (SAMED) said in a statement that it wants to work with the relevant departments and "does not lightly air its grievances publicly".

"While there has been movement, there has not been progress. In fact, the situation has deteriorated."

Some suppliers have notified the Gauteng Department of Health (GDH) that they will put orders for medical products and services on hold, which will affect health services in Gauteng public hospitals, says Tanya Vogt, chief operating officer of SAMED.

“We’re issuing this statement because there may be confusion in the public’s mind as media reports earlier indicated that substantial payments have been made by GDH. That may be true, but those payments did not go to suppliers of medical devices but to institutions like the blood service,” Vogt explained.

There is only a trickle of payments to SAMED members, but there also does not seem to be a consistent and logical pattern to the payments made.

One supplier who is owed R26 million received R4 million.

The result is continuing uncertainty and the survival of some smaller and medium-sized companies is now in jeopardy.

A further concern is that while formal letters to Treasury and the national Department of Health have been acknowledged, nothing further has happened.

“To whom do we turn now?” asks Vogt.

To improve the working relationship, SAMED is meeting with GDH on 24 January on stock control and procurement processes for urgently required devices. SAMED believes it has expertise in the management, maintenance and utilisation of equipment, and wants to share it with GDH so as to assist in the better use of resources.

“There are good and committed people in these departments but the lack of planning, adequate forecasting and appropriate budgeting makes it difficult to operate at maximum efficiency.

“As we begin movement toward national health insurance, we agree with the Minister Motsoaledi that existing systemic problems and management competency must be addressed”, says Vogt.

Comments

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Sun May 26 00:28:18 SAST 2013 ::

Jan 19, 2012

Knan

Yah ne!
Nou batho ba boda, and di tenderpreneur wont help the govt. out anymore. for cases like this why cant budget from other departments be shifted?
More and more monies are wasted everyday
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Jan 19, 2012

Balobedu

We are in this things because of the ANC. If it was not them, the situation won't be like this. ANC has failed decimally in our country. Away with ANC away. i call upon the people of SA to vote for DA in the next elections for change. I think DA is the only party which can liberate our country from thugs. For me i have already quitted from ANC and now i'm a card caring member of DA. DA is the best
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Jan 19, 2012

dre10

THese manual systems they are using are the real problem for state departments.
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Jan 19, 2012

mthosam

No one seems to be caring at all, is it because they don't have money or is because they are not competent enough to handle procurement issues?. someone must held responsible. stop to celebrate and work
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Jan 19, 2012

MGEEZ

It is time for change!!!!!!!!! But where will change come from? It will come from Nando's; were you will get more change than you paid for??????????????? LOL.

Saidly the multitudes of Soouth africans are either ANC loyalists or illiterate or educated fools; hence the ruling party will still win the next Elections.
Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it!!!!!!!!!
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Jan 19, 2012

Baba_T

Now this is really getting out of hand.

Something needs to give very soon
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Jan 19, 2012

dre10

Baba_T
Now this is really getting out of hand.

Something needs to give very soon
_______________________________
get rid of the manual system.
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Jan 19, 2012

Doculam

@mthosam: I doubt strongly that a lack of funds is the problem. Your last possible reason is more spot on. Incompetence, lack of accountability, and sometimes pure laziness is my bet.
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Jan 19, 2012

superlady

signs..... department of health is in deep sh#t. the situation is this close assumin resembling picture to our zim-zim nation. i am jst lost though, all this money they tax us, where do our lousy government do with it? oh let me guess, spend it on luxurious trips/tours to luxurious places. mxm, this is pure fuckery.....nun else. our government is fucked up period
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Jan 19, 2012

KatakataEmaotoAditshepe

@Sowetan

Dont make us stupids there is no need we heard about long ago.
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