Gauteng Health warns against hospital bribes and queue-jumping

The Gauteng Department of Health has warned officials and members of the public against bribery, corruption and queue-jumping at public healthcare facilities, reports Soweto Urban.

The department said it had received complaints alleging that some patients may be paying officials to bypass queues when scheduling appointments, accessing patient files and collecting medication from pharmacies.

Department spokesperson Steve Mabona strongly condemned any form of bribery, corruption or preferential treatment within the public healthcare system, stressing that patients must access services through established processes.

Mabona said credible complaints involving officials allegedly soliciting or accepting bribes would be investigated.

Officials have also been reminded that accepting money or any other benefit in exchange for performing, expediting or giving preferential treatment in the execution of their duties is a serious offence and may constitute corruption under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.

“Members of the public who are asked for a bribe, or who have information about officials allegedly involved in such activities, are urged to report the incidents immediately. Patients are encouraged to report incidents while they are still at the health facility by approaching the Office of the CEO or the Quality Assurance Office,” said Mabona.

He said reporting incidents while patients are still at the facility allows management to record complaints and, where possible, initiate an immediate investigation.

Mabona urged members of the public not to remain silent when confronted with corruption, saying that reporting such incidents would help protect patients, strengthen accountability and ensure healthcare services are provided fairly and without discrimination.

The department reiterated that public healthcare services are not for sale.

“No patient should have to pay an official to receive a service to which they are entitled, and no official has the right to demand payment for performing their duties.”

Members of the public can report complaints and suspected corrupt activities through the department’s established reporting channels.

Complaints can be emailed to patientscomplaints.health@gauteng.gov.za, sent by SMS to 35023, or reported through the 24-hour customer line on 0800 203 886.

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