Sir
The National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) performs a vital function in our country and is the largest diagnostic pathology service in South Africa and possibly one of the most sophisticated and significant pathology services on the continent.
Part of the scope of services it offers and has a major role in include;
* public health in South Africa through epidemiology, surveillance and outbreak response activities
* the national HIV and AIDS treatment programme through CD4 testing, viral load studies and HIV treatment monitoring
* tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment monitoring
* screening for cervical cancer
* support of occupational health services
Of particular concern to the Democratic Alliance is the ongoing tussle between KZN’s Department of Health (DOH) and the NHLS over the issue of non-payment by the (DOH).
This battle has been going on for more than five years and there seems to be no end in sight despite assurances from Health MEC, Sibongiseni Dhlomo and his Department that all is well.
Yet the truth is that the KZN DoH debt to NHLS has ballooned from R2.47billion in 2016/17 to more than R2.705billion in 2017/18, with the current debt now a staggering R2.952billion – by far the highest in the country. Even worse is that KZN’s debt totals more than half of the combined sum owed by all other provinces.
This is a complete embarrassment and the Premier must take action.
The poor handling of this matter by MEC Dhlomo has led to the entire NHLS service being plunged into dire straits nationally.
The DA’s counterparts at a national level have made it very clear that this situation can no longer continue if an adequate and proper NHLS is to function.
The DA is sick and tired of listening to MEC Dhlomo’s long-winded excuses, on this and on a myriad other issues, when it comes to non-payments by his Department.
This while the NHLS debt increases each day.
The ANC-led provincial government must be warned. If it does not rectify what it is doing to the NHLS, the service will be brought to its knees – much like healthcare in our province has due to a lack of political leadership.
The people of KZN must punish the ANC at the ballot box next year.
Dr Imran Keeka, MPL
DA KZN Spokesperson on Health
