Note to editors: The following debate was delivered today (Tuesday) by Democratic Alliance (DA)’s MPL, James Masango, at the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.
In recent years Mpumalanga Province population, has grown by a staggering 27% over a 11-year period and with the highest growth of all 9 provinces in South Africa but yet the department of Health is currently using an organogram which was approved more than ten years ago.
The people of Mpumalanga as well as the department faced a huge battle during the COVID pandemic however we cannot put all the blame for not reaching targets years later, squarely on COVID, the MEC needs to take ownership of her department’s shortcomings.
Hon Speaker, the fight against HIV/AIDS needs more focus as we are losing the fight against this dreaded disease as well as with TB due to insufficient track and tracing of patients to ensure they continue with their treatment.
Mental health is a major concern as the prevalence of depression and anxiety found to be 25.1% 14.6%, respectively in Mpumalanga. In addition to increasing the demand on the healthcare system, poor mental health has an adverse effect on society as people are unable to reach their full human potential, contribute to society, and thrive.
Hon Speaker, Mpumalanga Government has a whole need to up their game with the treatment of mental health. According to the departments plan for this year the Mpumalanga Psychiatric Hospital is currently under planning however Year after year we talk about it but very little gets built or implemented.
Currently many families have to approach neighbouring provinces to get the help their loved ones need due to the lack of mental health facilities in this province. There is no Mental health Hospital, as well as no Mental Health Centres for patients. Families are forced to provide care for these patients, and at most are not trained in caring for those with mental health challenges.
Infrastructure has been identified as a critical enabler for the Mpumalanga Province in ensuring the Department, provide access to quality health services. However, Mapuleneng Hospital has been under construction for more than ten years, Middleburg Regional Hospital will hopefully be operational in this administration although this project started after Mapuleneng.
The constant increase in medical litigation claims year on year, is clearly evident in the departments planning as unable to meet the financial demands and money is constantly reprioritised and severely impacts the core service delivery of the department.
The DA once again calls on the MEC to relook the Citizens Engagement platform, the department wasted millions in the previous administration. The DA urges the MEC to ensure that the products invested in benefits not only the supplier but the residents of Mpumalanga.
Hon MEC, the DA calls on you to resolve the issues that has been plaguing Rob Ferreria Hospital for years, it is the sixth CEO that a specific trade union has removed and the DA asks that the MEC, the HOD resolves this issue not just to appease the trade unions and to put a plaster on the issue. This Issue has been long standing and needs to be healed for the stability and functionality of the Hospital. We cannot allow trade unions to dictate to the department.