Western Cape Health MEC responds to EFF Health demands

STATEMENT BY DR NOMAFRENCH MBOMBO

WESTERN CAPE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

Release date: immediate

In response to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) demands delivered to various provincial health facilities, the MEC, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, met with EFF Leadership in person last week.

While recognising the reality of service pressure, she rejects and condemns any disruption of service by members of the EFF at our health facilities across the Western Cape.

The Western Cape Government is an open and transparent government, therefore we welcome any complaint and we encourage service users to raise their concerns in order for us to improve our service. What we do not agree with, is the constant service disruption at facilities and the manner in which members are conducting themselves. “We cannot condone disruptions of an already over-burdened system in the very setting where health workers are delivering the services.

We have responded to the concerns raised by the EFF by inviting their Provincial Executive to a round table discussion where they had the opportunity to address all concerns with provincial health department officials and the ministry

The Department recognises that there are severe pressures within the Health system. These are experienced nationwide.  We continue to face a growing population, changing burden of disease, stagnant economic growth, and a sharp increase in the number of interpersonal violence cases. These factors all contribute to service pressures in health, as more and more people present to our health facilities.

“I’d like to encourage patients/clients to make use of our complaints hotline when they are unhappy about service delivery at facilities. They can call the contact centre on 0860 142 142 or send a please call me to 079 769 1207”

This service is anonymous and puts callers in contact with facility management. Please ensure that you are also letting management at the health facility know of your issue, so it can be dealt with speedily on site. Sometimes people call the Hotline without engaging with Management, meaning that no-one on site is aware of the issue.

Other avenues for complaints are hospital boards and clinic committees. Currently the process is underway for each health facility to have an allocated body who would participate in the governance of facilities. These bodies are there to ensure the voice of the community is heard. Other avenues for interaction include the Presidential Hotline. These are legitimate avenues for input, which do not disrupt service delivery.

We agree with the EFF that the interests of patients should come first, but Health is too important to become a political toy. We need to focus on to work together in improving the health of our citizens in the Western Cape.