×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

PIKITUP CLEANS UP MEDICAL WASTE IN JOBURG HOSPITAL

SUSPENSION of services by medical waste removal company Phambili Wasteman at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital has forced the Gauteng health department to find an alternative solution to remove the rotting waste.

SUSPENSION of services by medical waste removal company Phambili Wasteman at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital has forced the Gauteng health department to find an alternative solution to remove the rotting waste.

Pikitup Johannesburg has been temporarily contracted to remove the waste while the department and Phambili Wasteman resolve their differences.

The company is owed more than R6million for services rendered to all public hospitals in the Johannesburg region over the past few months. Ten days ago, Phambili suspended its services until all outstanding payments were made.

Medical waste has not been removed for more than a week at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. The department said yesterday that the hospital was the only one affected.

Spokesperson Mandla Sidu said: "Pikitup has been contracted to remove medical waste while both parties try to find a solution to this problem. The removal of waste began at the weekend and is expected to be finished by Tuesday (tomorrow)."

Phambili insisted yesterday that it would not remove medical waste from the hospital. Olivier Meyer, chief executive of Phambili, said: "The department owes us in excess of R6million. The department together with Gauteng Shared Services Centre were notified on February 2 that in light of their inability to pay Phambili, our services would be suspended.

"They were informed that the company would continue with its services immediately upon payment being made."

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.