Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu has called on hospital boards to hold the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of hospitals accountable for bad service delivery at their hospitals.
Mahlangu said in terms of the law hospital board members had a responsibility to ensure that hospitals functioned effectively and that managers discharged their duties accordingly.
She said this in an effort to empower Gauteng hospital board members when addressing the hospital board sharing information indaba held at the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital on 16 January.
The event was graced by a host of dignitaries including HODs and CEOs representing various hospitals.
Ms R Chigwedere told the board members the hospital board is a statutory body whose members are appointed by and are accountable to the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) in terms of the National Health Act 63 of 1997.
The number of board members differs according to the type of hospital. For example, according to the National Health Act Regulations: Categories of Hospitals, the Chris Hani Baragwanath is a central hospital, which means that its hospital board will consist of nine members – unlike district hospitals like Dr Yusuf Dadoo of which the board consists of six members.
The purpose of the indaba was to provide an opportunity for engagement with board members with a view to informing them about the strategic direction of the department.
As Mahlangu cleared the confusion, she appealed to board members not to shy away from asking difficult questions where they see something is wrong. Board members are not there to glorify the CEOs but to ensure that management at hospitals does its work properly. It is only through the strict oversight role that quality health care can be realised and service delivery be improved.
The MEC also explained powers and functions of the hospital board. They play an advisory role to the management of the hospital and safeguarding the interest of the community.
In terms of Section 21 (1) of the Hospital Ordinance the hospital board may make recommendation to or advise CEOs of hospitals on matters affecting the hospitals and on the means and the methods whereby the control, regulation or management of hospitals may be improved.
Members of hospital board were also offered a platform to pose question to Mahlangu. She them to play a leading role in fighting theft, fraud and corruption.
