Concerns raised over suspension of whistleblower at Baragwanath hospital

Share the Article:

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng has raised concerned following the suspension of an official at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

This comes after the whistleblower queried alleged irregularities in the appointment of the hospital CEO Dr Nthabiseng Makgana.

According to DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health Jack Bloom, workers and the hospital’s human resources department complained that Makgana lacks the necessary experience and qualifications.

Bloom said adding to the scandal is that the suspension of the whistleblowing official was signed off by Basani Baloyi, the Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services in the Gauteng Health Department.

In March 2023, the Public Service Commission (PSC) received an allegation about the irregular appointment of Baloyi, The Daily Maverick reports.

The investigation scope of the PSC was to establish the regularity of the process followed by the department filling the post, and whether Baloyi met the educational and experience requirements of the post.

“Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has refused to reverse her appointment as recommended by a Public Service Commission report which found that she was appointed irregularly.

Refusal to review Baragwanath hospital CEO appointment

“The reality is that the Gauteng Health Department protects cadre deployments who allow corruption and inefficiency to thrive.

“They chew up the enormous Gauteng Health Budget (R64.8 billion this year) and ensure that vitally needed reforms never take place,” he expressed.

Bloom stated that hospital patients are the prime victims of the deep rot in this department.

ALSO READ | Digitisation of patient files set to positively impact on patient care in Gauteng

He continued; “It is outrageous that the MEC refuses to review the appointment of the Bara Hospital CEO, and refuses to implement the PSC recommendation on Baloyi.

“The MEC also lies blatantly that all surgery backlogs have been eliminated.”