Acting Department of Health MMC inspects PPE stock levels
An increase in coronavirus testing has led to an increase in the number of reported cases, leaving the Department alert to the possibility of a 'second wave'.
The new routine of forced face coverings and sanitizer-drenched hands continues to divide opinion, even from a compliant public. For better or worse, personal protective equipment (PPE) has been the definitive phrase of this past seven months.
The Department of Health, represented by acting MEC Jacob Mamabolo, conducted a site visit to their mammoth warehouse storage facility in Roodepoort on 22 October. The name and location of the warehouse is not to be widely publicised as to not attract any unwanted attention. The facility serves as one of a handful of depots that supplies government departments with face masks, hand sanitizer, body suits and other mandatory protective items.
Assisted by Quality Assurance Manager, Patience Ntemane, MEC Mamabolo was escorted by the warehouse manager, Tania Mulligan, to each of the various items in order to check the quantity of stock currently being stored. Once all those boxes had been ticked, the MEC oversaw an incoming delivery, thoroughly inspecting the quality of the items received.
PPE has been a bone of contention since the beginning of the state-imposed lockdown, with the government fighting allegations of corruption and mismanagement. MEC Mamabolo was quick to declare that all recent orders were above board. “We have started a new procurement process that is absolutely risk-function compliant. It is part of a transition away from the old, establishing a proper supply chain process and strengthening the department,” said the acting MEC.
An increase in coronavirus testing has led to an increase in the number of reported cases, leaving the Department alert to the possibility of a ‘second wave’. “It is very important that we continue to fight to reduce the number of cases. It is vital that we do not lower our guard,” said Department of Health spokesperson, Kwara Kekana.
Overall, the MEC considered his department’s preparation and readiness to be more than adequate. “We are very satisfied with the stock levels, both in quantity and quality. We are also happy with the supply chain,” said MEC Mamabolo.
Any possibility of a ‘second wave’ is a distant worst case scenario, but should the province be plunged into another state of paralysis, those on the frontline will have every resource available.
