1.MEC, the oncology statement is one that must follow a human rights based approach henceforth in terms of referral, equipment maintenance, staff composition, patient counselling, investment in alternative health remedies and palliative care and the provision of drugs on the essential list.

2.A patient safety culture has to be developed in terms of a plan to give cancer patients quality of care in our public facilities whether it involves public private or public public or community partnerships.

3.The partnership with Busamed and Hopelands Cancer Centre is a step in the right direction.

4.MEC, the interference by any health union for black economic empowerment purposes must never be done at the cost of patients’ lives or where our sick people are forced to relocate to other provinces to survive.

5.The 2017 year was traumatic for us all, as the oncology crisis loomed. The Minority Front wants to see a Monograph developed to care for our cancer patients, used by all involved in healthcare providers.

6.The MF appreciates the posts created but we must give out more registrar posts with conditions to serve our public health sector for a minimum of 3 years, as the poaching of our oncologists requires tighter employment regulations.

7.The portfolio committee needs to focus on the plan and budget for the roll-out of step down or palliative care facilities in KZN.

8.There is a huge need to partner with Allied Health Professionals to give cancer patients a better quality of life. This will add to the plethora of allopathic treatment you have spoken about. HON.MEC we must have an open mind about public awareness of adapting to healthier life-styles and a vast impact can be made by complementary medicine and alternative health practices, even with Traditional healers.

9.Thank you, HON.MEC for this progressing oncology report but a report on the actual backlog reduction needs to be reflected on in a report, next year.

 

HON.S. Thakur- Rajbansi