The Gauteng department of health has warned staff and the public against bribery and queue-jumping at public health facilities. The warning follows complaints from citizens alleging that some patients have bribed officials to jump queues when scheduling appointments, retrieving medical files, and collecting medication from hospital pharmacies.

The department has announced investigations into staff members who have solicited or accepted bribes. Spokesperson Steve Mabona stated:

“The department strongly condemns any form of bribery, corruption or preferential treatment in the public health-care system. Patients must access services through established processes, and no person should be allowed to use money to gain an advantage in accessing care.”

The department emphasised that accepting money or favours in exchange for services is illegal and constitutes corruption. It stated that no patient should pay for services to which they are entitled, and no official has the right to demand payment for performing their duties.

Members of the public have been advised to report involved staff members directly on the official department website or at the health facilities themselves. Patients are encouraged to report incidents while still at the facility by approaching the office of the CEO or the quality assurance office to enable management to record the complaint and initiate investigations.