a) The National Department of Health is still waiting for the data from other provincial health departments. However, the Department has been informed by the Gauteng Department of Health about the stolen cables at Charlotte Maxeke, Steve Biko and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospitals. To date, only 9 Hospitals were reported for cable theft in the Free State Province.
b) Hospitals that have been reported for cable theft are listed below:
c) All the cable theft incidents were reported to the nearest police stations and case numbers were issued accordingly. Mast lights have been installed at various facilities; Manned security was instructed to patrol areas that were identified as high-risk areas for cable theft.
d) All the affected facilities were attended to by replacing the stolen cables during 2022/23 financial year.
e) The Free State Department of Health is planning to employ more security personnel to facilities that are high risk areas. Key interventions also include installations of Clearview fencing and CCTV at health facilities.
END.