BusinessLive reports that Parliament’s portfolio committee on health has raised concerns about high staff vacancy rates and a shortage of space and supplies at health centres in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).  

The committee is also concerned about infrastructure maintenance backlogs‚ which have led to some healthcare facilities not meeting stipulated norms and standards.  This was revealed by the committee after its first oversight visit to the Umgungundlovu district municipality in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday.  The committee visited Mpumuza Clinic, Edendale Hospital‚ Fort Napier Hospital and Grey’s Hospital.  One common finding was a high staff vacancy rate due to the provincial government’s moratorium on some non-clinical posts‚ said Fish Mahlalela‚ the committee’s acting chair.  The committee was informed that only highly skilled and specialised recruitment was possible‚ and noted that the staffing issue affected service delivery at clinics and hospitals.

• Read this report by Bongani Mthethwa in full at BusinessLive
• See too, One doctor, one nurse for 40 pregnant women at Mahikeng provincial hospital in North West, at The Citizen

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