Millions annually spent on security at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital but couldn’t prevent recent theft

Millions are spent annually on security at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital but could not prevent the theft of millions earlier this year.

According to Gauteng legislature by DA shadow minister of health Jack Bloom a total of R40.1 million is spent annually on security at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital (CMJH) but was unable to prevent the theft of copper pipes worth R30 million and other items worth about R200 000 after the fire on 16 April this year.

Bloom said Gauteng Health MEC Nomathemba Mokgethi revealed this in a written reply to his questions in the Gauteng Legislature.

“According to Mokgethi, the guards cost R2.9 million a month, and electronic camera surveillance costs R450 000 every month.

“But since the fire in April, ten desktop computers, a fridge, six plasma TVs, and three laptops were stolen in addition to the copper pipes.”

The burglar bars at the back of the wards had to be unlocked due to the fire assessment, and the security of assets was compromised due to about 150 fire doors that had to stay open for inspection purposes.

“The burglar bars now have to be removed because they contravene the fire regulations, and security is patrolling the fire escape routes to monitor unwelcome people.

ALSO READ: Charlotte Maxeke: Gauteng Health opens case after items were STOLEN

“I am deeply suspicious about all the security contracts at Gauteng public hospitals as they were irregularly awarded in October 2014 for a two-period and then irregularly extended month by month at a total cost of more than R3 billion to date.”

He said the Gauteng Health Department has a poor record with corrupt and grossly over-charged security contracts.

“R40 million is enough for a small army and is clearly excessive to ensure security for CMJH. Thefts continue to occur and the security was unable to stop the trashing of the hospital by disgruntled workers in April 2018.”

According to Bloom the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital security contract is poor value for money and should be reviewed urgently.

“I am sure that millions of rand could be saved with a better contract, and this money is needed to provide better health care for patients.”

ALSO READ: Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital still closed amid third wave