people
4 December 2007
The Eastern Cape Department of Health took part in the proceedings of the
Parliament for Disabled People, which took place on 30 November 2007 at the OR
Tambo hall in Mthatha. This was a way reaching out to the disabled and it is
now going to be held annually. During the proceedings of the parliament,
disabled people were given a platform to complement work done by Departments
and to raise their concerns.
Among issues raised by the disabled people was the issue of them being
employed in hospitals, as "no one knows disabled people more than a disabled
person". They also pleaded with the people not to stigmatise and call them
names.
They also encouraged the Department of Health to do more awareness campaigns
in educating pregnant women, as the main cause of disabilities in children lies
with pregnant mothers being abused, drinking alcohol, smoking and not eating
healthy food.
The MEC for Health Mrs. N. Jajula, while she was responding to the issues
raised, mentioned that hospitals are employing disabled people and made an
example of Mthatha Hospital Complex, where there is a board member who is
physically challenged. She added that three disabled people at senior
management level were employed at the head office and two doctors who are in
charge at the Port Alfred Hospital. The disabled people were encouraged to form
part of structures in their communities and be part of decisions taken, as they
are part of the communities.
The MEC then pleaded with parents to encourage their children to take the
maths and science stream as the Department of Health offers bursaries for
students doing health related studies and also encouraged them to take children
for immunisations up to 14 years in order to avoid them being attacked by
polio.
The proceedings of what was happening were going to be brailled and sent to
all blind people who were present so that they could also be able to know
exactly what was going on during this important event.
Enquiries:
Sizwe Kupelo
Tel: 040 609 3850
Cell: 083 378 0196
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
4 December 2007
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecdoh.gov.za)
