Guateng govt sets aside R515 million for HIV/Aids

The Gauteng health department has allocated R515 million towards dealing with HIV/Aids in the province. This is a 47.8% increase from last year's allocation.

Brian Hlongwa, the Gauteng health MEC, presented the R10.4 billion 2006/2007 health budget at the provincial legislature. Hlongwa says 41 000 people are currently receiving anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment and he plans to increase this to 60 000 by the end of the year.

Hlongwa also acknowledged that there is a capacity problem in the management of public hospitals and clinics.

Earlier, Ignatius Jacobs, the Gauteng MEC for public transport, roads and works, said five new hospitals will be built within the next four years.