No new tenders to be issued to replace equipment destroyed in Tembisa Hospital fires, says Phaahla

The health ministry said that no new public tender process would be launched for replacing equipment destroyed in two fires at Tembisa Hospital, with existing suppliers likely to be used.

The fires, which broke out five days apart, have reignited concerns over possible maladministration at the facility, which was at the centre of a scandal flagged by whistleblower Babita Deokaran, who was assassinated after uncovering R850 million in suspicious payments.

Tembisa Hospital

There were no injuries, but crucial medical machinery was destroyed, and an unconfirmed number of patient files were burnt.

Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla, alongside acting hospital CEO, Dr Rianna Louw, conducted a site visit and briefed the media on the damage and the way forward.

Answering the publication’s question on whether the fires signalled a return to corruption, Phaahla said the procurement process would remain unchanged, despite the potential multi-million rand replacement cost.

“It will be possible to use existing suppliers, who supply other hospitals, to source the damaged equipment.”

With no CCTV footage from the affected areas, officials said that investigations into the cause could take time.

–EWN

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