Phone lines cut to Gauteng hospitals, clinics due to non-payment

Several hospitals and clinics in Gauteng have activated alternative numbers after Telkom cut phone lines due to unpaid bills. Gauteng Health says the delayed payments were due to several discrepancies where Telkom would send invoices with descriptions of facilities that do not belong to the department. The telecommunications provider disconnected phone lines due to what is claimed to be outstanding payments by the Gauteng Health Department. A total of 83 clinics and 32 hospitals were affected. The department says R4 million was paid last week, with another R3.4 million released this week. Phemelo speaks to Gauteng Health Spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba.