Pixabay
The National Health Laboratory Service has terminated the services of Gibela Trade and Invest with immediate effect.
The NHLS said in a statement on its website that the actions of the Eastern Cape courier company and their staff was found to be negligent and a risk to human life.
That's after close on 100 Covid-19 test samples were lost in transit on the N2 highway near Mdantsane earlier this week.
The Laboratory Service said the loss of the specimens amounts to a violation of the patient's rights to protection of their medical records, privacy and confidentiality and the right to dignity.
"At a time when our country is dealing with a state of disaster due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these actions are reprehensible and the NHLS has taken swift action to terminate the services of Gibela Trade and Invest," said NHLS CEO, Dr Kamy Chetty,
Two other courier companies that are already contracted to the NHLS in the Eastern Cape region have agreed to take over the routes covered by Gibela Trade and Invest with immediate effect.
"We are grateful to our other courier suppliers for stepping into the gap and assisting us at short notice," said Tabita Makula, NHSLS Eastern Cape Regional Manager.
"Their efforts to extend their service so quickly will ensure that specimen transportation will continue with as little disruption as possible," she added.
