1. HON.MEC, the death of patients to cancer which could have been treated appropriately, earlier if we had working equipment in the first place but also if we had enough oncologists, is regrettable.
2. I understand that there are only 2 qualified in the Province.
3.The fact that Oncologists are medical professionals with a conscience to save lives, they will not work if there are no tools to diagnose what they have to treat, especially where this treatment is dose dependent a per the extent of the condition.
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I believe that the funding for training should be increased for Oncologist registrars, but rationalisation of resources is an imperative now that Mr Dhlomo has explained how more Oncologists are being sourced.
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Meran delivered a talk on various challenges about machines and international protocols for maintenance which means that, HON. Members solid resolutions have to be taken by the Health portfolio committee on a way forward with the Department.
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What I want to comment on now, HON. Members is that in relation to the purchases of these machines which even National is looking at currently I believe that, where there is grand theft and no immune system then we would really have a problem.
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I believe in South Africa’s, Chapter 9 institutions and although the Human Rights report is sore to bear, I believe we have the capability and capacity to cherish the immune system that we have but we must work harder now to strengthen it.
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I agree with some of HON. Mec Dhlomo’s arguments that they have been vigilant but the Techmed issue needs drastic action and hopefully direct dealing as you stated will resolve the issue because I do not believe still that the Department can be bound by weak decisions that high ranking, accountable, PFMA regulated officials, take in terms of litigation etc.
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On behalf of the Minority Front, I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of all those patients who passed on, due to, the problems the Department of Health are beset with.