​Thembisa Shologu
The acting Gauteng MEC for Health, Jacob Mamabolo on Wednesday, 05 August 2020, concluded his visits to health facilities across the province.
The visits, which were conducted over the    last five days, saw MEC Mamabolo interact with senior managers and staff at the various facilities and culminated with a visit to the  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) storage facilities.  Each of the facilities were  requested to give an update on the rate of COVID-19 infection amongst staff members.
In terms of provision of PPE to staff members, there were different views from various facilities. Some of the unions expressed satisfaction while others raised concerns about the quantity of PPE provided.
"The observations made will help strengthen the provincial government's response  in containing the spread of COVID-19.
"Our priority remains saving lives  and mobilising sectors of society to work together with government in the fight against the Coronavirus," explained MEC Mamabolo.
During the visits, a supply of personal protective equipment was discovered floating in a river in Irene, Centurion.
MEC Mamabolo said that he was disappointed with the irresponsible act, more so that the country was facing a shortage of PPE which is meant to protect healthcare workers
He added that a criminal case has been opened and investigations were currently under way. ​