The City of Johannesburg Health Department welcomes and applauds the initiative taken by the patients to expose alleged corruption at the Esselen Street Clinic and is committed to co-operate with the police during the investigation of this matter.
Two health workers at the Esselen Clinic near Hillbrow were yesterday arrested for allegedly selling ARV medication which is normally supplied free of charge to HIV/Aids patients.
The City said it welcomes the action- taken by the law enforcement agency and will support all investigations to ensure successful prosecution of all affected persons. In addition to this initiative, internal investigations will also be instituted and remedial measures to prevent occurrence of similar activities including disciplinary steps, will also be part of addressing this matter.
Clr Nonceba Molwele, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development says, “the City of Johannesburg will be strengthening its internal control measures across all its health facilities to ensure that corruption and fraud is prevented and ensure that patients receive quality health care”.
“We also urge all health clients (patients) to use the complaints management system advertised at all our clinics to report any suspicious activities to the law enforcement agencies or report to an independent City’s Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 002 587”, said Molwele.