Deputy Speaker, the mental, physical and social wellbeing of all South Africans constitute central elements of our strategic objective to bring about a better life for all. The ANC commends the work done by all the palliative care centres. Palliative care is mainly directed at providing relief to a terminally ill person through symptom management and pain management. The goal is to provide comfort and maintain the highest possible quality of life for as long as life remains.
Specialised palliative care programmes exist for common conditions such as cancer and HIV and Aids. The need for pain relief for the dying - that is, for the young and the old - so as to ensure dignity and humanity in death, was seen to be imperative. The ANC is committed to working with all the role-players in advocacy programmes that will create awareness of humanitarian aspects. We hope to see a standardised programme for the training of all health care workers on palliative care. I thank you. [Applause.]