Out-of-pocket suppliers left to sweat by health dept

BUDGET FALLOUT

- THOBEKA NGEMA

THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is embroiled in controversy for owing suppliers R1.7 billion - a situation that is reportedly affecting service delivery in the province.

In a written response to a question by the DA’s Tim Brauteseth regarding outstanding payments, KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane disclosed that the department's debt to suppliers was R1.74bn.

“The department endeavours to pay all suppliers and service providers within 30 days; however, the cash flow challenges that the KZN Department of Health faces, hinders that,’ Simelane said, and that the amount will be settled during the first quarter of the next financial year.

Simelane added that an amount of R1.7bn will form part of accruals. These payments could not be paid in the previous financial year because of the department's financial challenges.

DA KZN spokesperson on health, Dr Imran Keeka, said the party was concerned that KZN businesses were owed about R1.7bn by the provincial DoH.