Security costs at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital have ballooned to an astounding R72 million a year.
According to Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, a three-year contract for R217.3 million was awarded to Vimba Electronic Security.
Three years ago, the annual security cost was R35 million, so this contract has doubled in value.
This is an exorbitant increase. Most security guards earn less than R10 000 a month, but Vimba is being paid about R22 000 a month for each of the 263 guards at the hospital.
According to the MEC, however, this security service “adds value towards patient care, and it is worth the money that is paid by the institution.”
While thefts need to be halted, and staff and patients protected, this looks like a rip-off contract that diverts money that should be used to improve patient care.
How can a doubling of security costs be justified?
The Department has admitted that previous hospital security contracts were awarded irregularly.
The DA calls for a speedy review of this security contract to verify that procedures were followed and to ensure best value for money.