Yesterday, the MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, addressed a packed hall of Grey’s Hospital where managers of the department, representatives of labour organisations and other social partners are meeting to consolidate plans for the New Year, 2011.
The meeting is convened by the MEC and the Head of Department (HoD) Dr Sibongile Zungu, to consolidate the department’s contributions towards the provincial government’s lekgotla to be held in late January 2011.
The MEC started by reminding those present of the commitment made by the national Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, when he signed the National Negotiated Service Delivery Agreement with the MECs and other ministers to implement government’s outcome number two (2) of “A long and healthy life for all South Africans”.
Referring to this goal he said “Our outputs are as follows: Increase life expectancy, reduce child and maternal and child mortality, combat HIV and AIDS and decrease the burden of disease from TB and improve health systems effectiveness.”
“Our Minister further expands on what he refers as quadruple of disease burden in SA and these are: HIV, AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), maternal mortality (child), non–communicable disease and trauma and violence. All these diseases are worse in KwaZulu-Natal than any other province.”
The MEC reminded the meeting that in his previous job, they would refer to themselves (in SANDF) as doing national duties. “I don’t think a slogan ‘doing national duties’ should be reserved for us who are soldiers,” he said. “For us in the Department of Health, our national duty is to implement programmes that ensure a long and healthy life for all citizens of South Africa (KZN)”.
Addressing the meeting the MEC mentioned that the implementation of the national health Insurance (NHI) Plan in 2012 rests with those in the Department of Health to fully understand and to be able to accelerate it.
In his speech, the MEC commended the efficiency that has occurred in hospitals that used to be a problem such as Prince Mshiyeni and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospitals. “It is important to note that these improvements occurred without any new money being injected into these hospitals but attitude change.”
The MEC also informed the meeting that he was generally satisfied with what he found during his hospital visits even though in some other hospitals there is some work that needs to be done to improve the situation. He also said that he would be meeting with district managers, on a monthly basis, to receive reports on service delivery issues so that problems are not allowed to escalate for long. He further said he would like to see improvements in the appointment of personnel to eliminate delays between interviews and appointment.
The meeting was advised that the MEC would be seeking monthly reports from the infrastructure unit on progress in projects that have been announced for building or renovation. He said citizens cannot understand the long delays between the announcement of projects and the commencement of building. He also announced that there is a plan to address the repair problems, such as leaks and broken equipment, in various institutions that take time to repair. He called on institutions to support the head of department in rolling out the plan.
The MEC concluded by calling for more cooperation with other government departments in the implementation of certain programmes. On these he said; “We need to find bilateral with the following departments as advised by Premier. The Department of Transport on HIV, AIDS and TB; Department of Education, Sports and Recreation on non-communicable disease and healthy lifestyle, teenage pregnancy and the Department of Transport on trauma and violence.”
For voice interviews with the MEC, kindly contact:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
