Hospital security bill soars to R2.5bn amid patient care crisis
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has voiced concern over soaring security costs at Gauteng public hospitals, which have skyrocketed from R655 million in 2022 to R2.54 billion in 2025 — nearly quadrupling in just three years.
According to DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom, the rising security expenditure is diverting much-needed funds from critical healthcare services.
'This squeezes out money needed to improve patient care,' said Bloom in a statement on Monday.
Multi-million rand contracts under scrutiny
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko revealed in a written reply to the provincial legislature that the increase is due to 'additional points of service provision' and higher rates regulated by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA).
However, Bloom questioned the justification, noting that PSIRA's annual rate increase stands at only 7.38%, far below the near six-fold rise in overall security spending.
'As a percentage of the total Gauteng health budget, security costs have gone up from 1.1% in 2022 to 3.8% of this year's allocation of R66 billion,' he pointed out.
Security bills for major hospitals are among the highest. Chris Hani Baragwanath, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg, and Bertha Gxowa hospitals are paying R77 million, R72 million, and R26 million respectively to private security firms each year.
In response to Bloom's inquiry, the department stated: 'The security assessment report conducted justifies the additional increase in the number of guards, and it is in line with the PSIRA rates.'
ALSO READ: Mpumalanga primary school pupils treated for food poisoning after eating oranges
Guards unpaid despite soaring costs
Despite these massive outlays, some security workers are not being paid on time. At Tembisa Hospital, guards have gone on a go-slow, protesting after not being paid for three months.
At George Mukhari Hospital, Mafoko Security Patrollers recently lost a court case over failing to pay provident fund contributions.
Similar allegations have surfaced at Bertha Gxowa Hospital, where workers claim deductions are not reaching the required funds.
Although the department insists it uses 'a monthly performance monitoring tool to ensure that security workers are paid on time and according to legislation,' Bloom said, 'this does not appear to be effective.'
ALSO READ: Hospital horror: Cops in frantic search for two premature babies snatched from incubators
Calls for accountability
Bloom suspects widespread corruption.
'Many security companies seem to be grossly over-charging while underpaying their workers,' he said.
The DA has vowed to continue pushing the provincial health department to review the escalating costs.
'Hospital patients suffer because of a lack of budget to fix staff shortages, long queues, and broken equipment,' Bloom warned.
The Citizen has contacted the Gauteng Department of Health for further comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.
NOW READ: Suspect allegedly confesses to Tembisa Hospital fire
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
20 hours ago
- The Star
DA raises alarm over rising nosocomial infections in Gauteng hospitals
The Democratic Alliance has sounded the alarm over what it calls a 'growing health crisis' in Gauteng's public hospitals, where an increasing number of patients are reportedly contracting new infections due to unsanitary conditions, overcrowding, and neglect. This revelation follows a DA inquiry in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, which revealed that 7,743 patients acquired nosocomial infections while receiving care in public hospitals in 2024, many of them antibiotic-resistant and potentially life-threatening. DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom, explained that the infections, known as nosocomial infections, occur when patients contract illnesses during their hospital stay that are unrelated to their original condition. He pointed out that Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital (CMJH) had the highest incidence, with 1,473 out of 12,940 patients in 2024 contracting nosocomial infections, an alarming 11%, meaning roughly one in every ten patients was affected. Bloom also stated that nosocomial infections are more prevalent in higher-level hospitals due to the nature of their work, treating more complex cases, longer patient stays, frequent invasive procedures, and increased antibiotic use. He lamented that many of these infections are easily preventable with proper hygiene and stricter infection control measures. 'I am concerned that many patients are getting infections that can be easily avoided with basic improvements like decent cleaning and adequate linen. Imagine the extra pain and suffering of patients who pick up infections that extend their stay in the hospital and can even be life-threatening.' He also emphasised that linen shortages are a contributing factor, forcing patients to reuse bedding and pyjamas for extended periods. 'Surgical patients, in particular, face increased risks due to the hospital's inability to provide clean linen both before and after operations,' said Bloom. However, Bloom stressed that while a certain number of hospital-acquired infections may occur even in well-managed facilities, urgent intervention is needed at the most affected institutions, particularly Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital. He added that this is yet another reason why the hospital's CEO, Gladys Bogoshi, should be swiftly replaced with a capable and experienced professional. In response to the alarming surge in hospital-acquired infections, Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said several crucial measures have been implemented to curb the spread of nosocomial infections and enhance patient safety across public hospitals. 'A dedicated Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) committee has been established to oversee the implementation of IPC guidelines across healthcare facilities in the province. This committee convenes monthly to identify and address challenges faced by these facilities.' He further stated that Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, assured that an Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) evaluation was conducted to gauge compliance with infection control measures in healthcare facilities. The results were shared with hospital management, and six facilities were flagged as underperforming during the assessment. "Six healthcare facilities were identified as underperforming during the IPCAF assessment, leading to enforcement letters being issued to the CEOs of those hospitals. The IPC committee conducted follow-up visits to non-compliant hospitals, guiding them to develop Quality Improvement Plans and monitor their implementation," said Modiba. Modiba stressed that the department has rolled out a province-wide monitoring system to track and respond to hospital-acquired infections, with teams conducting regular checks to detect outbreaks early. 'IPC practitioners conduct daily, weekly, and monthly surveillance activities to monitor infection trends and identify microorganisms responsible for HAIs,' Modiba said. Modiba added that Antimicrobial Stewardship teams have been established to ensure antibiotics are used correctly and to curb resistance. He also noted that the department is offering refresher training for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practitioners. 'This training equips healthcare workers with up-to-date IPC practices, and participants are awarded a certificate of competence upon completion,' he said. Other hospitals with a worrying number of hospital-acquired infections include: Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBH) - 1796 (6%) out of 31 950 admissions. Edenvale Hospital - 407 (8%) out of 5166 admissions. Kalafong Hospital - 554 (6%) out of 8952 admissions. Tembisa Hospital - 596 (5%) out of 13 116 admissions. Rahima Moosa Hospital - 217 (5%) out of 4320 admissions. Leratong Hospital - 365 (4%) out of 1026 admissions. Pholosong Hospital - 249 (4%) out of 5796 admissions. The Star [email protected]
IOL News
21 hours ago
- IOL News
DA raises alarm over rising nosocomial infections in Gauteng hospitals
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised serious concerns about a health crisis in Gauteng, highlighting a surge in nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections linked to unsanitary conditions and overcrowding in public hospitals. DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom. The Democratic Alliance has sounded the alarm over what it calls a 'growing health crisis' in Gauteng's public hospitals, where an increasing number of patients are reportedly contracting new infections due to unsanitary conditions, overcrowding, and neglect. This revelation follows a DA inquiry in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, which revealed that 7,743 patients acquired nosocomial infections while receiving care in public hospitals in 2024, many of them antibiotic-resistant and potentially life-threatening. DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom, explained that the infections, known as nosocomial infections, occur when patients contract illnesses during their hospital stay that are unrelated to their original condition. He pointed out that Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital (CMJH) had the highest incidence, with 1,473 out of 12,940 patients in 2024 contracting nosocomial infections, an alarming 11%, meaning roughly one in every ten patients was affected. Bloom also stated that nosocomial infections are more prevalent in higher-level hospitals due to the nature of their work, treating more complex cases, longer patient stays, frequent invasive procedures, and increased antibiotic use. He lamented that many of these infections are easily preventable with proper hygiene and stricter infection control measures. 'I am concerned that many patients are getting infections that can be easily avoided with basic improvements like decent cleaning and adequate linen. Imagine the extra pain and suffering of patients who pick up infections that extend their stay in the hospital and can even be life-threatening.' He also emphasised that linen shortages are a contributing factor, forcing patients to reuse bedding and pyjamas for extended periods. 'Surgical patients, in particular, face increased risks due to the hospital's inability to provide clean linen both before and after operations,' said Bloom. However, Bloom stressed that while a certain number of hospital-acquired infections may occur even in well-managed facilities, urgent intervention is needed at the most affected institutions, particularly Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital. He added that this is yet another reason why the hospital's CEO, Gladys Bogoshi, should be swiftly replaced with a capable and experienced professional. In response to the alarming surge in hospital-acquired infections, Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said several crucial measures have been implemented to curb the spread of nosocomial infections and enhance patient safety across public hospitals. 'A dedicated Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) committee has been established to oversee the implementation of IPC guidelines across healthcare facilities in the province. This committee convenes monthly to identify and address challenges faced by these facilities.' He further stated that Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, assured that an Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) evaluation was conducted to gauge compliance with infection control measures in healthcare facilities. The results were shared with hospital management, and six facilities were flagged as underperforming during the assessment. "Six healthcare facilities were identified as underperforming during the IPCAF assessment, leading to enforcement letters being issued to the CEOs of those hospitals. The IPC committee conducted follow-up visits to non-compliant hospitals, guiding them to develop Quality Improvement Plans and monitor their implementation," said Modiba. Modiba stressed that the department has rolled out a province-wide monitoring system to track and respond to hospital-acquired infections, with teams conducting regular checks to detect outbreaks early. 'IPC practitioners conduct daily, weekly, and monthly surveillance activities to monitor infection trends and identify microorganisms responsible for HAIs,' Modiba said. Modiba added that Antimicrobial Stewardship teams have been established to ensure antibiotics are used correctly and to curb resistance. He also noted that the department is offering refresher training for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practitioners. 'This training equips healthcare workers with up-to-date IPC practices, and participants are awarded a certificate of competence upon completion,' he said. Other hospitals with a worrying number of hospital-acquired infections include: Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBH) - 1796 (6%) out of 31 950 admissions. Edenvale Hospital - 407 (8%) out of 5166 admissions. Kalafong Hospital - 554 (6%) out of 8952 admissions. Tembisa Hospital - 596 (5%) out of 13 116 admissions. Rahima Moosa Hospital - 217 (5%) out of 4320 admissions. Leratong Hospital - 365 (4%) out of 1026 admissions. Pholosong Hospital - 249 (4%) out of 5796 admissions. The Star
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
No interviews, but appointed: DA raises alarm over ANCYL members on Gauteng hospital boards
The DA says appointments to hospital boards should be seen as a public service and not a job. The DA's Health shadow MEC for health in Gauteng, Jack Bloom, says 10 African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) members who served on various boards in the province's hospitals were not interviewed. Bloom said this information came out during a portfolio committee meeting on Wednesday. Speaking to The Citizen on Thursday, Bloom said the Gauteng health department has failed to respond to questions about the fairness and transparency of the appointment process of these youth leaders. 'A panel of senior officials assessed the applications without any interviews,' he said. Bloom said there were 820 valid applications for 229 positions at 34 hospitals. 'The advertisement called for professionals with expertise in legal, finance, strategic management, information management, human resources, governance, medicine, and/or health-related backgrounds. 'Alternatively, be a member of the community served by the respective hospital with a proven record of community development and involvement.' Board members do not receive a salary Bloom said that while being on the board does not pay an enormous amount of money, those serving on these boards should not use these positions to make money. 'Payment is R210 per hour for a chairperson, with a maximum of R3 500 a month. The rate for an ordinary board member is R160 per hour, with a maximum of R1 900 a month,' he said. Reasons for ANC members' appointments Bloom said what is further shocking is that upon the induction of the new board members, there was an expectation of remuneration. There were also misunderstandings about the work the board members do. 'I pointed out to Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko that ANCYL provincial secretary Mpume Sangweni has claimed that 10 ANCYL members were appointed, saying it was important that young people occupied positions of power across all spheres of influence. 'This is an appalling motivation when the focus should be on getting competent people who can help the hospital in treating patients with dignity and care. It is highly suspicious that 10 out of 28 youth members appointed are members of the ANCYL,' he said. Bloom said the department must provide reasons for the appointments of the ANC members to the boards. 'The department needs to provide the details of their qualifications and the reasons for their appointments, as opposed to other applicants. 'They have undertaken to come back to the committee with the required information, which hopefully allows for a proper assessment as to whether the ANCYL members received undue preference,' he said. ALSO READ: R10k just to show up: Fear of 'Nkabane 2.0' as ANC Youth League leaders get hospital board positions Gauteng department of Health denies political interference The Citizen had reached out to the Gauteng Department of Health for comment on the allegation made by the DA. Their comment will be added to this story when it is received. However, in a recent media statement, the department denied that there was political interference in these board appointments. 'Such claims are not only baseless but insulting to the more than 200 highly qualified professionals who have volunteered to serve their communities in a role that is not remunerative,' said the department's spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba. ANCYL provincial secretary in Gauteng, Mpumelelo Sangweni told The Citizen that all ANCYL members were appointed on merit and competence. 'Young people applied, and they were appointed because they met the requirements. Nowhere in the requirements did the advertisement require applicants to state their political affiliation. 'To put things into context, out of 220 hospital board members, only 10 are active ANCYL members,' he said. Sangweni said the DA is exaggerating the appointments of ANCLY members on the various boards. 'In the same hospital boards, there are members of other political parties, the clergy and community activists. We still maintain that the baseless targeting of ANCYL members has nothing to do with the hospital boards but the imminent cabinet reshuffle by the Premier,' he said. NOW READ: 'I don't see white people here': Malatji laments lack of diversity in the ANCYL
