We are Willing to Engage Human Rights Commission

30 July 2008

The department of Health and Social Services has noted with concern persistent media reports alleging that the department has withheld the information about shortage of doctors in the province from the South African Human Rights Commission.

We want to put it on record that these allegations are very far away from the truth, we are not in possession of any correspondence from the commission as reported. We have seen these comments in the media. No letters have been served with the department.

We however are willing to engage the commission or any interested party and indeed take them into confidence on the reported issues or. To this, we are in a process of arranging a meeting where we can sufficiently deal with all issues that concern the commission.

We have on several occasions condemned cases of negligence whenever they arise in any of our facilities. We do not only condemn, but after thorough investigations appropriate remedial actions are always taken against whoso ever is involved.

The MEC of Health and Social Services, Mr. Fish Mahlalela is on record of condemning the incident of baby Keswa who allegedly died as a result of delays in our system. According, the department has instituted a high level investigation to determine circumstances that lead to the death of baby Keswa. If indeed there is a case of negligence to answer, we will not hesitate to not only take harsh measures against those involved but we will also report them to relevant professional bodies for further action.

We have on numerous occasions made it public, that we are challenged with shortage of health professionals in the province. This however cannot be a reason for cases of under performance or negligence by any of our staff; we expect them at all times to work in a manner that restores and strengthen public confidence in our services. It is also important not to make isolated incidents, unfortunate as they are, to be a reflection of our general service or conduct of all our employees.

Despite many challenges that confronts us; we will not now or in the future, make any excuse on why we cannot deliver on our constitutional mandate. We are committed to ensuring that we deliver better health for all.

End.

Issued by Department of Health and Social Services.

For more information contact

Mpho Gabashane
082 802 4937