Chairperson, the UDM expresses its deep concern over the ever deepening crisis that is playing itself out with regard to the Ministry of Health.
What has started with the sudden and seemingly hectic step of removing the Deputy Minister of Health has now escalated into a national scandal. Indeed, we must accept that certain allegations against the Minister of Health are just there as allegations. But these and other uncertain matters should all be simple for the President to establish.
It is simply incomprehensible how the President can fire a Deputy Minister who has been widely respected among health stakeholders and openly credited for repairing fractured relationships between civil society and government. The message seems to be that independent thinkers who care about the plight of the people will not be tolerated, whilst those who are loyal to certain individuals will be protected, irrespective of how bad their actions might reflect on government or how negatively it affects that portfolio.
The health of South Africans is not some light matter. It is a constitutional right that is becoming the victim of a political gamesmanship. Thank you, Chairperson.