'We are following due process': Gauteng health dept hits back at cancer treatment 'botched tender' allegations
The department says it is being meticulous in securing a tender for cancer treatment, amid the DA's criticism of delays.
The emergency unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Picture: Masego Mafata/GroundUp
JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Department of Health has hit back at suggestions that unnecessary delays in finalising a tender for cancer treatment has left thousands of patients in the lurch.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) earlier this week said that 3,000 cancer patients at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital are suffering because a treatment deal with private hospitals has not been finalised.
The party said this was "despite R784 million budgeted last year”.
They also raised suspicions about whether the tender has been botched, instead of "getting the best deal from the best supplier”.
Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said they were now in the final stages.
"The process is currently awaiting probity auditors to review in terms of the integrity of the process that was embarked upon. Then once that is done, an award will be given so the winning bidders can start rendering the services."
Modiba said while they understood the importance of finalising the tender, it sas imperative that due process was followed.
"Therefore, we need to be thorough and meticulous in terms of this particular process. Some people will say there’s delays, but you can’t say it’s delays when we are following due process."