15 August 2007
The Ministry of Health has noted the decision by the Cape Town Medi-Clinic
to lay a charge with regard to the loss of the health records relating to the
hospitalisation of the Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang at the
clinic.
Medi-Clinic reported that the hospital records relating to Dr
Tshabalala-Msimang's two admissions to the clinic during 2005 have been stolen
from the clinic's archives. A case of theft regarding the loss of these
confidential documents was lodged with the Cape Town police station on Tuesday,
14 August 2007.
The Sunday Times publicly admitted on Sunday, 12 August, that it was in
possession of these missing documents. The newspaper wrote in its front-page
story that: "the Sunday Times is in possession of documents related to
Tshabalala-Msimang's two hospital stays in 2005." The newspaper further stated
in the article that these files were given to unnamed doctors to assess for the
Sunday Times. The newspaper should explain its involvement in this reported
crime.
The Ministry of Health urges the police to act swiftly and leave no stone
unturned in ensuring that these documents are recovered and that all the
culprits involved in this crime are brought to book.
Enquiries:
Sibani Mngadi
Spokesperson for the Minister of Health
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Department of Health
15 August 2007
