Western Cape to probe allegations of vaccine queue jumping

The Western Cape Department of Health will be investigating allegations that some people have skipped the queue for their Covid-19 vaccine, after posing as healthcare workers.

According to a report by IOL, some doctors have allowed their family members to pose as healthcare workers to fast track their vaccination.

The incidents reportedly occurred at Groote Schuur Hospital, with some people presenting fake documentation, or only working in administrative roles.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said he has asked the health department to investigate the allegations.

ALSO READ: Govt admits there is no legal restriction on private sector securing vaccines – AfriForum

“The current process for the implementation study requires the department to provide the vaccination sites, while the registration of private health workers is being separately managed by the private hospital and GP groups.

“We are taking these allegations very seriously and have also raised the matter with the researchers. If these allegations are true, this is a clear breach of protocol and unethical,” said Winde.

Department spokesperson Mark van der Heever said they had taken action to close “loopholes” in the vaccination process.

“The department took immediate action as soon as it became aware last week that some loopholes in the national electronic system could be exploited by people posing as healthcare workers,” he said.

“To add an extra layer of security, we now request proof that an individual is a healthcare worker (either a work ID card or a Health Professionals Council registration number), in addition to ID at all vaccination sites.”

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.