The South African medical device industry is sounding the alarm once again as provincial health departments, the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), and the SA Military Health Service collectively owe over R1.4 billion to medical suppliers. This debt, with a significant portion outstanding for more than 30 days, is pushing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the brink and threatening…
Tag: Debt
-
Unpaid bills threaten medical tests as NHLS struggles
The parliamentary health committee recently learned that provincial health departments, except for the Western Cape, owe the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) R8.9 billion in unpaid debts. CEO Dr. Koleka Mlisana deems this growing debt “unsustainable,” especially given expected budget cuts that will impact funding for essential laboratory services. The NHLS conducts vital medical tests for state hospitals and clinics…
-
Gauteng health department criticised over unpaid gas bills
The Gauteng health department is again facing severe criticism. Its ongoing financial troubles have disrupted essential gas supplies at two major hospitals. Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital experienced gas supply interruptions from Egoli Gas due to unpaid bills, jeopardising patient care. The crisis stems from the department’s failure to settle a R15 million…