Pain of fat cats' health

SPECIAL UNIT: TAXPAYER COUGHS UP R1M FOR EACH BIGWIG EVERY MONTH

- Thando Nondywana

The escalating costs of SA's presidential medical unit for top political leaders have come under scrutiny, as taxpayers foot the bill for non-emergency treatments.

The medical unit, intended for emergency medical support during official travels, has expanded to include 60 personnel, 45 vehicles and provides 24/7 medical support, costing almost R500 million since 2019.

DA spokesperson on defence and military veterans Chris Hattingh questioned minister Angie Motshekga about the cost of the unit.

According to Motshekga, the medical costs for the politicians were nearly R80 million in 2019-20, R68 million in 2020-21, R87 million in 2021-22, R91 million in 2022-23, and R97 million in 2023-24.

Between April and September this year, nearly R50 million had already been spent.

Hattingh criticised the culture of "blue lighting and red carpeting", particularly prevalent in the military.

"There's no reason why any of them, for routine medical needs, shouldn't go to a regular doctor, specialist, or pharmacy. Like any member of a medical aid scheme, they should cover any shortfall themselves.

"Yet, we see treatments ranging from ingrown toenails to hip replacements at an exorbitant cost of about R1 million per person per month, paid by the taxpayer."

Hattingh stressed the excessiveness of this spending, particularly when SA troops in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are under-supported medically, logistically and tactically.