DA questions accommodation costs in Mpumalanga for Cuban doctors
The party has written to Health MEC Ms Sasekani Manzini, asking her to clarify the cost of R1.9 million for the accommodation provided in the first quarter of the 2020/21 financial year.
Ms Jane Sithole, DA-spokesman on health in Mpumalanga, released the accommodation costs for Cuban doctors in a statement, dated 25 August.
According to Ms Sithole, the Mpumalanga Department of Health pays nearly R2-million for accommodation for 13 Cuban doctors.
The party has written to Health MEC Ms Sasekani Manzini, asking her to clarify the cost of R1.9 million for the accommodation provided in the first quarter of the 2020/21 financial year.
The doctors arrived in the province on 28 May and the department provided accommodation via the Dana Agency.
According to the Covid-19 Procurement Disclosure Report, accommodation was provided for 10 weeks.
“Taking into consideration that it was provided during the first months of lockdown, the rates charged need to be justified,” the statement read. If one compares this to the accommodation allowance paid to South African doctors during the same period, South African doctors are receiving a raw deal.”
The statement concluded by saying that the department cannot afford to continue to provide accommodation at such costs, as the budget is already under extreme pressures due to excessive Covid-19 expenses.
“The DA welcomes any additional resources to help fight the pandemic.
“However, mismanagement of funds cannot be left unchallenged and South African health professionals must form an integral part of a Covid-19 strategy.”
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