Jack Bloom, DA shadow MEC for Health was removed from Helen Joseph Hospital after being part of a team of people who embarked on doing their 67 minutes for Madiba Day.
“They knew I was coming to clean up the hospital grounds as part of Mandela Day,” said Bloom.
“I was escorted by security guards out of the Helen Joseph Hospital after Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu told hospital management that I did not have her department’s permission to visit there,” said Bloom.
“I took the opportunity to go inside to check on internal cleanliness as well as the lifts and toilets. It was then that I was apprehended,” said Bloom.
The DA tabled a motion calling on the house to reprimand MEC for Health, Qedani Mahlangu, and to apologise to Mr Bloom for the affront to his dignity according to John Moodey, caucus leader.
To date Bloom is still waiting for the apology from the MEC of Health.
“I have not received anything yet.
“I found five broken lifts and was checking the toilets on each floor when security guards apprehended me and took me to the CEO’s office,” said Bloom.
Legislature’s Integrity Commissioner, Jules Brodie, ruled that members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) may conduct oversight at any public institution – including unannounced visits – and premier David Makhura has encouraged this practice.
“CEO Raymond Billa said that I did not have permission to visit from either the Health MEC or the chairperson of the Legislature’s Health Committee, and I was then escorted to my car by security guards,” said Bloom.
“The MEC showed scant regard for resolutions of the house when she instructed the hospital’s senior management to have Mr Bloom removed under guard, thinking that permission to conduct oversight visits must be granted from her office or that of the portfolio committee chairperson.,” said Moodey.
“MEC Mahlangu’s instructions to the hospital to obstruct my visit are outrageous.
“This ban was overturned by the Speaker and the Integrity Commissioner of the Gauteng Legislature, who endorsed my right to conduct oversight at hospitals, including unannounced visits,” said Bloom.
