This was revealed by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi in his written response to a question about the controversial contract tabled in Parliament.

Motsoaledi says he inspected two mobile clinics during an oversight visit at the Ratlou Community Health Centre outside Mahikeng last month. Olebogeng Motse reports that Motsoaledi says he realised the problem is “much bigger than meets the eye”.

The minister said he came to the conclusion that the mobile clinic scandal required a “serious technical investigation”. He then requested National Treasury to investigate the contract that resulted in media headlines as the Gupta-linked healthcare company received a R30 million upfront payment for a single mobile unit in the deal. It also seemed that proper tender procedures were not followed. This controversial deal now forms part of the complaints of striking health workers that has brought health service across the province to a standstill.

Motsoaledi said he asked that people remain patient until the findings of the investigation are released. No date as to when this would happen was stated.

During a joint sitting of the provincial Health and Social Development Portfolio Committee, as well as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) on February 20th probing the matter, it was revealed that a few days after Mediosa’s advance, North West Health Department Head Thabo Lekalakala embarked on a trip to India, authorised by the province but allegedly paid for by Mediosa.

In February, Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s office stated that he had instituted a forensic investigation into the department to deal with irregularities related to the contract with Mediosa, among other procurement irregularities.

Earlier this month the Premier’s spokesperson, Brian Setswambung, said the forensic investigation – undertaken by auditing firm Open Waters – had been delayed due to a strike by the National Health Education & Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) which allegedly prevented auditors from accessing pertinent documents of the department.

OFM News