Health
13 August 2007
The Presidency has noted calls for President Thabo Mbeki to take action
against Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, over various
allegations given prominence in the weekend press. The Presidency notes that
the latest allegations levelled against the Minister of Health appear to be
consistent with attempts by some in the media and elsewhere, to demean the
person of the Minister.
Such allegations have the effect of shifting focus from the government
programme to improve the public health system as a whole. Furthermore, they
seem to bear on recent decisions taken by the President regarding the
leadership of the Ministry of Health and to project these in caricature of
derogation. The Presidency would like to reassure all South Africans of the
integrity of the public health system as led by Minister Tshabalala-Msimang and
the Cabinet collective.
In this regard and in recognition of the centrality of quality healthcare
service to our people, government launched the Hospital Revitalisation
Programme in 2003 with a total budget of R1,9 billion. The programme involves
the improvement hospital infrastructure, procurement of the necessary equipment
and building management capacity. Local hospital management has the delegated
authority over such operational issues as may include the budget and human
resources in order to facilitate quicker response to local needs.
As a result of this programme, a number of tertiary hospitals such as the
Inkosi Albert Luthuli and Pretoria Academic Hospitals and ten other hospitals
have been completed in the past three financial years. There are currently 46
ongoing revitalisation projects throughout the country. More hospitals are due
for completion during this financial year.
The Hospital Revitalisation Programme (which is but a part of the programme
to improve the public health system) points to government's recognition and
commitment to address and improve shortcomings within the system. The
allegations published in the weekend press do not warrant the President to take
action against the Minister of Health. However, anyone who may have evidence
which demonstrates that any Minister or Deputy Minister has acted in
dereliction of duty is welcome to forward such evidence to the Presidency.
For more information, please contact:
Mukoni Ratshitanga
Tel: 012 300 5436
Cell: 082 300 3447
Issued by: The Presidency
13 August 2007
