The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) suffered a ransomware attack on 22 June.
Professor Koleka Mlisana, NHLS CEO, said all laboratories are functioning while getting test results to clinicians remains a challenge. The Gauteng Department of Health stated that the attack caused delays in processing laboratory tests across public health facilities in the province.
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‘Under normal circumstances, the laboratory reports are automatically generated and sent to clinicians or made available on WebView, this incident has disabled that functionality,’ she told IOL.
‘However, all urgent results are communicated telephonically to requesting clinicians.’
The NHLS distributed a critical test list to all health facilities in the interim. This was done to limit the volume of test requests which allows laboratories to cope with the workload.
‘We have come up with innovative ways of making TB and HIV viral load historical test results available to clinicians. More tests, prioritising those on the critical test list, will be made available. In addition, we are in the process of developing an electronic registration system for registering new samples and providing test results electronically,’ Mlisana said.
‘Access to laboratory results will be the same as the historical TB and HIV viral test results. On the systems side, the NHLS’ current focus is to bring all its systems back online, and the estimated mid-July to initiate end-user access still remains.’
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The NHLS reported that it is handling ‘this challenge with extreme urgency’ to ensure that operations continue.
Mlisana added that a case was registered with the South African Police Service and that all regulatory bodies were informed.
‘The NHLS views this attack in a serious light with significant worry and is treating the situation with great urgency. The breach has endangered the safety and well-being of millions of public health patients.’
‘The NHLS Board and Leadership Team sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by this occurrence and assure the public that the organisation is taking all necessary steps to resolve the situation.’
‘Despite the incident, the NHLS remains fully committed to providing high-quality diagnostic services to the public. The NHLS appreciates all stakeholders’ patience and the support we continue to receive during this difficult time.’
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Picture: Kaitlyn Baker / Unsplash
