DA Concerned after Gauteng Health Wastes R12.7 million as 70 000 litres of Sanitiser Expires

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has condemned the poor quality of hand sanitizer purchased by the Gauteng Health Department. 

According to Gauteng Health MEC Nomathemba Mokgethi the department wasted 141 000 half-litre bottles of sanitiser which cost R12.7 million as it has expired and is no longer useable.

This information was revealed by Mokgethi in a written reply to questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

According to Mokgethi, R100 million was paid for 544 000 units of sanitiser to assist with the Covid-19 epidemic, but only 392 000 units (74%) was used. 

The remaining 141 000 units which totals 70 000 litres cannot be used as they have expired and are currently being stored at Kushesh Warehouse quarantine area.

The DA’s Jack Bloom says Mokgethi stated that the sanitiser had a limited product validity period of one year from 31 March 2020 to 31 March 2021 and that samples of the sanitiser were submitted to the Quality Assurance department in December last year to check the quality. 

“I am concerned that poor quality sanitiser was bought as it should normally be valid for at least three years. Why has the Quality Assurance department still not given a report on this after one year?” 

Bloom says health workers often complain that they are not given sufficient sanitisers, which adds to the risks they face with rampant COVID-19 infections.