Department of Health underspends by R1 billion 

17 October 2019

The Department of Health's annual report for the 2018/19 financial year shows underspending of approximately R1 billion. Of this amount, R86 million was underspent at hospitals and this is clearly indicative of a very serious problem.

During a session of the parliamentary portfolio committee for Health, the FF Plus told the Minister of Health, Dr. Zwelini Mkhize, that the underspending is extremely worrying. It is one of the biggest reasons why state hospitals are in such a terrible condition.

The FF Plus pointed out to the Minister and the Department that people are consequently losing their lives in state hospitals and it is utterly destroying the Department's vision and mission, which in short goes: "A Long and Healthy Life for all South Africans".

The FF Plus expressed the hope that with the next meeting, the Department will have come up with an urgent plan and strategy to resolve the utter chaos concerning state hospitals.

Issued by Philip van Staden, FF Plus MP and chief spokesperson: Health, 17 October 2019