Still no answers on Gauteng health head's departure

18 November 2014

More than two months after Dr Hugh Gosnell left as Head of the Gauteng Health Department the reasons for his departure are still a mystery.

In reply today to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature, Acting Health MEC Lebogang Maile said that Gosnell left by "mutual agreement" and that the matter was still sub judice.

This is a very unsatisfactory reply. How can it be sub-judice if it is by mutual agreement and not before the court?

According to Maile, negotiations with Gosnell are still going on, which is why he was not able to say how much will be paid to him concerning the remainder of his three year contract.

Did Gosnell leave because he refused to condone irregularities and corruption? He was highly praised when he was appointed by former Health MEC Hope Papo, so in what respect was his performance lacking?

I will continue to press for answers in this matter.

Meanwhile, a capable and honest new head of the department must be appointed as soon as possible to address the deep-rooted problems that lead to poor patient care in our hospitals.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, November 18 2014

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