Gauteng Health Dept defends security costs at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Health Department has defended security costs at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, saying recent media reports have been misleading.

The department says it’s moved from month-to-month contracts to long-term agreements that comply with public finance laws and meet industry standards.

It says under the new three-year contracts implemented in April, security services have been strengthened across health facilities, including Charlotte Maxeke, to ensure adequate staffing, armed response and safety infrastructure.

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According to officials, the costs reflect current market rates and cover not just salaries, but benefits and operational expenses.

The department's spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, says this is a necessary investment to protect patients, staff and public health infrastructure.