DA Criticises Gauteng Health Department Over R3.9m Payments to Absent Cuban Doctors

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has slammed the Gauteng Health Department after it was revealed that R3.9 million was paid to seven Cuban doctors who had already left South Africa. This came to light following a written response from Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, to questions posed by Shadow Health MEC, Jack Bloom.

The controversy revolves around the fact that these Cuban doctors, part of a 28-member team hired for a year to help with the Covid-19 response, were irregularly paid beyond their contract period. Bloom explained that while their contracts were supposed to end on 14 May 2021, seven of the doctors continued to receive salaries until May 2022, even though they had returned to Cuba.

Failure in Contract Management

Bloom questioned the department’s decision-making, asking how Cuban doctors were still being paid nearly a year after their contracts expired. Nkomo-Ralehoko admitted the contracts were extended without proper approval, adding that management was unaware of the continued payments.

“The temporary employment contracts of seven Cuban healthcare workers were extended without following the required process and without the proper approval granted to the officials who extended it. Management was unaware of the payments made after the Cuban healthcare workers had left the country,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.

The Health MEC also revealed that this oversight had been flagged by the auditor-general as a “material irregularity”. An investigation has already led to the recovery of R1.2 million, with disciplinary action initiated against the officials responsible. The department is also in contact with the Cuban government to recover the remaining funds.

DA Demands Accountability

Despite some progress, Bloom expressed frustration over the situation, stating that it was shocking that R2.7 million was still outstanding after two years. He added that the disciplinary processes against the officials involved had yet to produce any meaningful results.

“It boggles the mind that seven foreign doctors were paid for an entire year when they were not even in the country. It is also outrageous that R2.7 million is still not recovered more than two years after this wasteful expenditure,” said Bloom.

He further criticised the department for failing to prioritise local talent, highlighting that South Africa has an estimated 800 unemployed medical doctors. “There’s no reason to hire Cuban doctors when we have so many local doctors struggling to find employment,” said Bloom. The DA believes that the government should focus on using the available budget effectively to provide quality healthcare for South Africans.

Disciplinary Actions Underway

Nkomo-Ralehoko confirmed that the issue has been reported to the Provincial Treasury and the National Department of Health. The State Attorney is assisting in the recovery of the remaining funds, and disciplinary actions have begun against the responsible officials.

However, Bloom remains sceptical, stating that the situation reflects ongoing incompetence within the Gauteng Health Department, which has been marred by similar scandals in the past. He called for swift action to hold those responsible accountable, urging the government to ensure that public funds are managed efficiently and transparently.

Conclusion

The payment of R3.9 million to absent Cuban doctors has sparked outrage, and the DA has called for better financial management and accountability in the Gauteng Health Department. With R2.7 million still unrecovered, and disciplinary action pending, the issue has raised serious questions about the department’s oversight and competence in managing public funds.