By Kefiloe Kajane
Two days before Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH) welcomed new management Netcare which ran Tṧepong that managed QMMH is accusing the Lesotho government of disregarding and breaching the provisions of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement.
In its Wednesday statement the company said that the government is ignoring the crucial transitionary arrangements and agreements that are essential for a seamless handover to secure the safe continuation of healthcare services to the Basotho citizens.
It explained that these include clarity on the transfer of over 800 Tšepong employees comprising clinicians, nurses, other staff and sub-contractor employees who are expecting formal offer letters of employment from the government as contemplated in the PPP agreement.
It continued to say that the improper handover further ignores the basic employment rights of Tšepong workers, who have loyally provided care for the past eleven years.
The company further said that without the application of appropriate care and due process in the handover phase, Netcare is of the view that the government is acting without due and careful consideration of the possible consequences.
“Netcare has once more appealed to the government to rethink this hasty decision given its adverse implications, and to reconsider Netcare’s request for an orderly and legally compliant transition, as none of the following key actions required to ensure a seamless handover and continuation of quality health services would have been completed by August 2.
“The issuing of offer of employment letters to fully trained staff members who are essential to maintain capacity in the health system. Engagement with key supply chain members is required to ensure continuity of essential support services and technical maintenance of the estate. Handover of medical equipment including service agreements to mitigate preventable downtime of life-saving equipment is to be done. Handover of medical drugs, consumables and durables, some of which have long replenishment lead times or are in short supply and engagement with information and management system providers to ensure appropriate transfer of system licenses to maintain electronic record keeping,” the statement read.
Netcare also said that it wishes to warn against the hasty manner in which the government of Lesotho is seeking to expedite the handover process.
It said it has the potential to create an unsafe operational environment, which may compromise the safety and care of patients.
The statement concluded that Netcare will also not abandon or turn a blind-eye to the infringement of employees’ rights by the government of Lesotho.
Meanwhile, on Monday the QMMH staff were introduced to the new management that will run the hospital. The team will be led by Dr Chale Moji as the managing director.
This came after the minister of health Semano Sekatle announced last week that from August 1, the government of Lesotho is officially taking over operations at QMMH.
The outgoing director of T’sepong, Professor Lehlohonolo Mosotho said the staff of QMMH is still Tsepong’s responsibility especially on issuesrelating to salaries until August 31. He said Tsepong is still in talks with the ministry of health to ensure a smooth transition.
