The Inkatha Freedom Party in KwaZulu-Natal demands answers from the MEC of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo as to why there is an ongoing breakdown and malfunction of critical medical equipment in provincial hospitals.
“It is high time NOW that the MEC must inform us why critical medical equipment are falling apart in provincial hospitals such as King Edward VII hospital where air conditioners are reported to be not working in operating theatres. We are sick and tired about the tardiness of MEC Dhlomo. He is incompetent and lacks leadership skills. If the ANC is serious about the suffering endured by sick people this incompetent MEC should have been fired. It is also disgusting that nurses at RK Khan Hospital have to wash dishes due to staff shortage while cleanliness at the hospital leaves much to be desired. This is evidence that the Department of Health is continuing to blunder at various levels.
“We are extremely critical of the manner in which the Department of Health is managing the challenges facing our public hospitals and for its failure to deliver on the promises that were made by the MEC during his Budget speech when he promised that he will provide better healthcare to all people. The plight of the patients must be addressed urgently,” said IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Health, Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana MPL.
“The number of complaints about hospitals is escalating because the MEC has failed the people. It is necessary to take drastic action to “lance the boil” as well as ensuring that the concerns about poor service in hospitals are addressed. We want to know how the Department of Health will deal with the issue of challenges facing our hospitals. The MEC needs to ensure that the Department’s objectives are met instead of playing Russian roulette with people’s lives. We need to know what action has been taken against officials who have failed to carry out their duties. We urge the MEC to find solutions to the problems faced at provincial hospitals that will satisfy the interests of all patients.
As the IFP we call for an investigation into whether hospital equipment are not serviced due to non-payment to service providers or it is just incompetence on the part of officials. Furthermore, we call for a forensic audit into the department’s finances. We are concerned that the Health Portfolio Committee is not presented with regular finance reports. What is happening in the Department of Health is like a horror movie in the eyes of the world and the ANC must shoulder blame for protecting incompetent comrades,” concluded Mrs Nkwanyana.
Issued by:
Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Health
078 302 3991
