The failure of the Eastern Cape department of health to renew licences has led to the EMS call centre telephone lines going down.
The call centre was established as a communication tool between the department and residents with the aim of providing prompt responses and solutions to service delivery complaints such as ambulance delays and long queues at hospitals.
Health department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said the call centre debacle was a result of a delay in procuring licences.
“People may still call the 08000-323-64 or call centre admin number 043-711-0699.”
Health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth instructed the acting head of department, Sindiswa Gede, to report the matter to the director-general and Public Service Commission to conduct an investigation.
“Microsoft, a licence provider, gave the department a 14-day grace period to renew the expired licences.
“The terms of reference for the investigation may include payments and procurement of all licences and servers or related services in the department.
“The department wishes to apologise to all citizens who have been affected by this unfortunate development around the call centre services.
“This is viewed in a very serious light.”
HeraldLIVE
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