The City’s Health Department is investigating allegations that some health workers at City clinics are selling patients’ folders to people seeking to fraudulently qualify for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants. Town Two Clinic in Town Two, Khayelitsha, is among the clinics allegedly involved.

In a statement, the City said it takes allegations of fraud seriously and follows established protocols whenever potential irregularities are identified.

City denies staff involvement in wrongdoing

“In this matter, concerns were reported through the appropriate channels in line with statutory and organisational requirements. An internal investigation into the alleged SASSA-related fraud is currently underway. At this stage, the City has found no evidence indicating that City of Cape Town staff are involved in any wrongdoing,” the statement read.

Measures in place to protect patient records

The City also said it takes patient privacy seriously and has implemented several measures at its health facilities to reduce POPIA-related risks to clients. According to the statement, clients are not permitted to handle patient folders, while record rooms have restricted access limited mainly to authorised staff, such as reception personnel and management.

“Facilities also follow a process to locate missing folders, with most being recovered within one to two working days, as many cases are due to misfiling rather than loss,” the statement read.

Digitisation project to improve data security

In addition, the digitisation project currently underway will see physical records converted into secure digital files, after which hard-copy records will be archived and destroyed.

“This will not only strengthen data privacy and security, but also create additional space at facilities over the long term,” the statement added.

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Khayelitsha Health Forum demands accountability

Khayelitsha Health Forum (KHF) chair Mzanywa Ndibongo said he was unaware of the allegations but pledged to follow up on the matter. He said that if the allegations are proven true, those involved should be dismissed.

“That is clear corruption. If it is true, the City must fire them. We cannot allow such criminality to happen in our facilities,” said Ndibongo.