Gauteng Health ropes in private labs after NHLS cyber attack
The Gauteng Department of Health said on Friday that it has begun making use of private laboratories as the National Health Laboratory Service struggles to recover from a cyber attack.
The private labs will focus on emergency cases and critical tests.
Last month, NHLS said it was hit by a security breach on its Information Technology system.
This led to a huge backlog in processing laboratory tests at all public health facilities, causing longer waiting times for test results.
The department said it is prioritising critical blood tests for sodium, potassium, glucose, and other vital chemicals.
"NHLS’ utilisation of private laboratories for critical tests focusing on emergency cases particularly at high volume facilities, the broadening of access to the eLab system for clinicians to register and retrieve critical results has contributed to improving the situation," said the department's spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba.
"The department urges the public to remain patient as the NHLS works diligently to fully restore their systems.”
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