press release

The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal calls on the Provincial Health MEC, Sibongiseni Dhlomo, to launch a full-scale investigation into the reports that there is a crisis regarding dialysis treatment at Addington Hospital in Durban.

"The IFP expects the MEC to launch an immediate enquiry into the allegations that people who require dialysis treatment are waiting and are not receiving necessary treatment. If this is the case the MEC must respond by ensuring that there is sufficient equipment and personnel to attend to our people. The MEC must treat these claims with the gravity they deserve. We need substantial change, not just tinkering at the edges, as this will not help those who are suffering," said IFP Spokesperson on Health, Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana MPL.

"It is high time for the MEC to fix the problems at Addington Hospital. This hospital is a mess because of poor management and even though the Health Portfolio Committee had many meetings with the management, there is no improvement. We need to overhaul the whole health care and administrative management at Addington Hospital.

The provincial government is just denying the fact that there is a major healthcare problem within the province. As administrators and fat cats in provincial government continue to enjoy their lives, and no doubt the benefit of private medical care; those without play Russian-roulette in a public health system that is very, very sick," continued Mrs Nkwanyana.

"We cannot allow our people to continue to suffer when those responsible to manage the public health care system fail to take their jobs seriously. This province cannot survive under a government that does not care. The MEC must tell us if he has the capacity to remedy the problems at Addington Hospital. The IFP believes that the failing public healthcare system is a prime example of how the government is mismanaging the province to the detriment of the poor," concluded Mrs Nkwanyana.

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