Madam Deputy Speaker, the ANC government is working tirelessly to address the many challenges confronting the public sector in our country. We have started with the vigorous implementation of our 10- point plan, which is geared towards overhauling the system through human resource development and quality of care, amongst other things. Therefore the ANC is proud to celebrate the achievement of 40 medical graduates, which is part of its collaboration with Cuba. This was held on 7 July 2010 at the University of Cape Town. Moreover, in July last year 63 more medical students graduated at a ceremony at the University of Limpopo, Medunsa, through this programme. This proves that the programme is continuing to produce results.
The candidates for the programme are drawn from the underprivileged areas of our country, giving some of our young people an opportunity to realise their dreams of practising medicine. We are encouraged by the fact that since its inception, this programme has produced 246 medical doctors who are providing health care to our people, especially in the rural outlying areas.
Our collaboration with the Republic of Cuba, through their Ministry of Public Health, is one of the initiatives aimed at boosting the provision of human resources for health in our country. The ANC government will continue to work together with the Ministry of Public Health of the Republic of Cuba and our academic partners here at home to achieve this goal. Together we can do more. I thank you. [Applause.]