Government took over Matikwane Hospital from Esidimeni

Government took over Matikwane Hospital from Esidimeni

By BRIAN KAJENGO

Dr. Makhubedu told the members of the media about the step taken by government to take over the Matikwane Hospital from private owners.

He said, “We gathered here today, to brief you, members of the media about the taking over of Matikwane Hospital by the Mpumalanga Department of Health effective from Tuesday 01 April 2014.

“This press briefing comes as a direct implementation of a decision by the Mpumalanga Provincial Executive Council to not renew the 25 year long contract between Life Esidimeni and the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.

“A series of consultation sessions and meetings took place where the staff, hospital board, unions and community members informed of the take over and its implications.

“It is worth mentioning that the decision to take over Matikwane Hospital has been widely welcome and well received by the staff, unions, community members and a number of stakeholders.” Dr. Makhubedu said.

He says we are of the firm view that through this briefing we will be able to reach the broader community and put facts about the take-over straight and clear.

“If I were to give a brief background on the contract and relationship between Government and Life Esidimeni I would say the following.

On 16 February 1987 the then Government of Gazankulu (Gazankulu) and Smith Mitchell Organization (Pty) Ltd (the initial Company) entered into a 25 year long agreement which commenced from the 1^st April 1989 with the purpose of the initial Company erecting and operating a hospital on state owned land provided to the initial Company for such purpose with specific conditions set out in the agreement (‘the head agreement”)” He said.

He went on to say the Hospital in question called Matikwana Hospital where we are now. The Hospital fell under the management of Limpopo Province from 1994 until June 2006 when Bushbuckridge became part of Mpumalanga Province due to the demarcation change.

“A number of issues had taken into consideration to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. To this effect, all employees who employed by LE have now been given offers with the intention to absorb them into the Department of Health effective from today.” He said.

The Department has also deployed a number of officials in key positions to strengthen the leadership and operations in the Hospital. Seasonal doctors have added.

The Department and LE have also managed to resolve and agree on a number of outstanding issues including but not limited to payments of leave credits, overtime worked, bonuses and shares that employees had in LE.

The Department and LE have further strengthened 9 work streams that will drive all outstanding issues as part of the transition period without problems.

“It is important to highlight that it is all systems go at Matikwane Hospital. The staff and unions have confirmed their full commitment to ensuring that people in and around Matikwane get first hand quality health care services from Matikwane Hospital.” Dr. Makhubedu said.

He says outsourced services which are laundry, catering, gardening and cleaning will continue on a month-to-month basis to ensure that there are no disruptions in the Hospital. The Department will, during this time, explore the best possible options to run these services in line with the norm at other Hospitals.

“I want to especially thank Life Esidimeni on behalf of Government for having worked side by side with us in providing health services to the community of Matikwane. I also want to thank LE for commitment shown till this moment and the fact we are still going to go some miles with them.” He said.