Jacob Mamabolo, Gauteng's acting Health MEC has praised the department for its joint effore with all major academic hospitals in the province in fighting COVID-19 pandemic. Since Dr Bandile Masuku took a leave of absence, Mamabolo took over temporarily as an acting health MEC. Mamambolo mentioned that four academic hospitals worked hand-in-hand to ensure a solid fight against COVID-19. They include:
  • Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH),
  • Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH),
  • Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), and
  • Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH).
The joint efforts of these hospitals have resulted to sharing of skills, expertise, and specifically the provision of a bed management hub. Moreover, it has helped in the improvement of appropriate admission of patients in accordance to their level of care. Mamambolo said: "The reasons for changes in the number of the general ward and ICU beds during this period included among other things, an increase in population numbers, shortage, staff shortages as a result of inadequate posts, increase in high-risk pregnancy cases and an increase in violence and trauma cases."