THE recent shocking revelation that 94 of Gauteng’s most vulnerable medical patients died, after being neglected to the point that they starved to death, remains fresh in the minds of many.
These patients were under the supposed care of Gauteng’s health department. To make matters worse, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) knew about the situation, yet sat on their hands.
Alarmingly, a similar situation exists here in KZN where the DA has reported the plight of numerous cancer patients who, in our opinion, are being neglected by the province’s ANC-run health department, to the point that curable cancers are becoming incurable.
This while sources within the DoH have confirmed that the SAHRC investigation is being stalled due to a lack of response from the MEC.
It is unacceptable that the SAHRC continues to drag its heels waiting for MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo’s response while people are being doomed to untimely demise.
It is high time that the Commission intervenes. It is also high time that it exercised its constitutionally granted authority to force the MEC to respond.
The SAHRC should not be afraid of Dhlomo and must tell him once and for all that his stalling tactics won’t work. The MEC should be dragged before them and answers extracted. In the event that he will not respond, he must vacate his office.
The MEC must remember that the people of KZN come first?
Dr Imran Keeka, MPL
DA KZN Spokesperson on Health
