‘Money can be accounted for’ – Billa
The department of health has applauded Helen Joseph Hospital's efforts in keeping the hospital safe.
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phahla has condemned the incident in which a nurse at Helen Joseph Hospital west of Johannesburg was allegedly raped and assaulted while on duty in August.
During a press conference on Friday, Phahla assured staff members that the department is doubling their efforts to keep hospitals safe.
“Staff needs to feel safe when they report to work,” said Phahla.
They have identified high risk areas at the hospital and other security measurements that was taken on behalf of the hospital.
The victim, told officials that she believed the perpetrator works for the hospital, as keys were needed to enter the place where the incident occurred on August 29.
“The police have been given us regular updates on the case and they were with us when we visited the victim’s home earlier today (Friday),” said Phahla.
The Deputy Minister has applauded the hospital for the measures that were taken before the incident.
However, Jack Bloom DA Shadow MEC for Health, questioned whether anyone was benefitting from the 6.5 million that is allocated to the hospital for security annually.
Dr Raymond Billa, CEO of Helen Joseph Hospital said that the money can be accounted for as salaries for the private security that is hired at the hospital but added; “We need to make sure we get the value of our money.”
Phahla has said police have made no arrests as yet, and are encouraging citizens to come forward with any information that could help the investigation.
