The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has once again proven its record of good governance by achieving a fourth consecutive clean audit during the 2021/22 financial year.
In addition to this, the Department had also spent 99% of its annual equitable share allocation received from the national government, further proving its commitment to service delivery.
These achievements are especially important given the large impact Covid-19 had on the Department’s programmes. Within the year under review, there were two pandemic surges which had led to 675 392 confirmed cases in 660 029 residents, with there being almost 15 363 reinfections and 21 915 deaths by 18 April 2022.
Nonetheless, the Department was still able to:
- Oversee 518 356 admissions to its district, regional and specialised, and central/tertiary hospitals;
- Facilitate 96 319 baby deliveries;
- See 108 570 learners through the Integrated School Health Programme;
- Provide 308 008 patients with antiretroviral treatment;
- Transport 618 352 patients with emergency care services; and
- Distribute 2 958 568 medical parcels through the Chronic Dispensing Unit.
Even though there were many disruptions as a result of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns, the Department was still committed to ensuring that its infrastructure was properly maintained and improved. Apart from nearly R1 billion being spent on Programme 8: Health Facilities Management, there was much progress being made with planned capital projects. For example, to name a few:
- A new emergency centre was completed at Victoria Hospital in Wynberg;
- A new acute psychiatric ward at Hermanus Hospital was delivered;
- The De Doorns Ambulance Station was replaced;
- The Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute was opened; and
- Various additions and upgrades were made to the Laingsburg Clinic.
MPP Wendy Kaizer-Philander says: “These achievements culminate in the Department having obtained more than 80% in client satisfaction surveys at all of its facilities during the year under review. Despite the pressures our province and healthcare system experienced, quality health care was still being delivered to our residents.
As the DA in the Western Cape, we also congratulate the Department on fostering a women-drive service, owing to 72% of all staff as well as 57% of senior and top-level management being women. This annual report sets a foundation for a strong post-Covid recovery and we look forward to further progress being made in this regard.”