The Democratic Alliance said in a statement on Monday that the Eastern Cape health system had collapsed in recent weeks, endangering thousands of lives.
“That is why the DA is the Minister of Health, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, in writing, requested two weeks ago to put the provincial health department under administration under Article 100 of the Constitution, ”said Siviwe Gwarube, the DA’s shadow minister of health. “The snail pace at which intervention is taking place in the province still causes senseless loss of life.”
The DA will now also be deputy president. David Mabuza approaches and requests urgent intervention in the province.
On Monday morning, the party conducted an oversight inspection at Cecelia Makiwane Hospital to see firsthand what problems hospitals in the province are facing, apart from the increasing case of patients due to Covid-19. “Issues such as chronic staffing shortages, a dangerous lack of oxygen supply and ineffective personal protective equipment are just some of the problems,” Gwarube said.
“We also found out this morning that the hospital has only two critical care beds for Covid-19 patients. Although there are plans to add 12 more beds, this has not happened yet – despite the increase in cases. This morning it was confirmed that hundreds of Covid 19 test kits with patient details were found on the N2 between East London and Mdantsane. It is not yet clear where these specimens are coming from, but it does indicate the absolute chaos unfolding in the Eastern Cape. ”
Gwarube said it was clear there would still be loss of life if urgent action was not taken. “It is simply not enough for Minister Mkhize to send a few people to support the province. An entire operating team is urgently needed to support facilities and management is needed to prevent people from dying senseless.
“The government cannot ignore the plight of thousands of people in the Eastern Cape who are dying because of years of neglect of the health system. While various parts of the country are suffering from the impact of the pandemic, every effort must be made to ensure that the system serves people as well as possible. Failure to do so is a direct violation of the Constitution. The right to health is not realized, due to mere state negligence. “
