Debate on Vote 5 – Health

Posted in: on 14/05/2015 | Categorised as

Mrs Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi, MF Leader
Mrs Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi, MF Leader

Hon. MEC, the MF thanks your dedicated staff, who work in the mobile health buses, based at the camps for foreigners, following the recent xenophobic attacks.

Yesterday, marked International Nurses Day, and I take this opportunity to personally thank our dedicated nurses, who do not only have the spirit of Florence Nightingale in these rough times but have role models in so many political stalwarts pre- and post-apartheid who have served our people and those of other countries.

This department needs its human capital; doctors, nurses, allied health care professionals.

In preparation for NHI, norms and standards for patient provisioning should be done. This will reduce healthcare costs, with reduced patient stay, due to quality care.

Specialisation is also imperative. The NHI mimics the NHS and specialisation improves disease or medical outcomes.

The outbreak of diphtheria and the “superbug” of Typhoid are of concern whilst a cure for AID’s on the cards and the last ebola case are a sigh of relief.

These Hon. MEC, point to why hospital specialisation as NHI strategy, must be fast-tracked. I welcome the completion of the Phoenix mortuary, which I motivated for.

Notwithstanding the department’s budget woes, the potential for public private partnerships in a developing country and transition economy, like ours is paramount to complete planned facilities.

Most importantly, the tertiary institutions for healthcare professionals need to be increased and or expanded. I am disappointed that the Manipal University partnership for a Medical School in Newcastle is on hold.

Hon. MEC, most of the SA doctors who have qualified in China, are sitting jobless for more than 3 years, yet we need doctors. An urgent government intervention is needed to address their registration and work issues.

Hon MEC, its 2015 and the MDG’s achieved by SA will bear testimony to what has been done and what needs to be redone.

The MF supports this Health Budget.

Thank you.

Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi

MPL KZN Legislature

DETAILS

Debated by: Hon. Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi

Minority Front Leader (KZN Legislature)

Date: Wed 13 May 2015

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