The Gauteng Department of Health has dismissed suggestions that it was deliberately delaying awarding a tender for the outsourcing of oncology radiation services for breast and prostate cancer patients, saying progress had been made but that due processes had to be followed.
The tender is to address the backlog in surgical and radiation oncology services, with an allocation of R784m in May 2023, reports The Citizen.
Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said R534m of this amount has been invested in oncology medical and allied equipment, like linear accelerator machines and the building of bunkers for some of the machines – within this financial year.
“In addition, R250m was allocated for the outsourcing of the radiation oncology tender, which is at an advanced stage of finalisation.”
The tender was issued in October and closed on 3 November.
Modiba said the department had begun evaluating the tender on 21 November and concluded it on 16 January.
However, last week, Jack Bloom, the DA’s shadow MEC for health in Gauteng, questioned the process and asked if it had been mishandled, saying the lack of updates was suspicious.
He said the delays were risking the lives of hundreds of cancer patients who need treatment as soon as possible, and urged the department to use the budget before the end of the financial year in two months’ time.
‘No delays’
The department denied there were delays, and said it was awaiting the auditor’s review on the integrity of the tender process.
“The department dismisses any false and misleading claims reported on the alleged delays,” said Modiba.
“Contrary to the claim made, the department has made progress in addressing the backlog in surgical and radiation oncology services since the allocation of R784m.
“While the department understands the urgency of finalising the procurement process, it is imperative … that supply chain processes must be followed as outlined in the PFMA (Public Finance Management Act).”
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