Chair, please allow me also to pay tribute to hon Mme Motlalepula Chabaku, with whom I shared a platform in Bram Fischerville when we were dealing with the gang rape of a young, disabled woman only a few weeks ago. I would like to express my condolences to the family and tell them that her legacy and the legacy of the women of her generation will remain to guide us. Hers was a generation that remained accessible to our people. They were fearless, principled, responsive, and trusted leaders. I thank her for her contributions to our struggle and to building a new democracy. I thank you, Chair, for that opportunity.
I also want to thank hon Worth for the question around medical toxic waste. In response, I would like to say that currently all medical toxic waste must be disposed of in accordance with the prescribed regulations and incineration processes of the provinces. In this instance we would like to reiterate that this applies to both the public and the private sectors.
In reply to the second and third parts of the question, all provinces are aware of the requirements with respect to the disposal of medical toxic waste, and this includes conforming to the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, Act 59 of 2008; the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, Act 39 of 2004; the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998; and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations of 2006. The disposal of medical toxic waste is adhered to in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998, by all provinces and relevant institutions.
Finally, in the past three years medical toxic waste dumping was reported first by the Free State province at the showgrounds and Maximus Bricks in Welkom. In respect of this and any other intervention, the relevant Acts that I have quoted need to be invoked.
The department has also developed and produced information, education and communication materials, which have been disseminated to provinces for use by health professionals, community members and the public at large. In addition, training of environmental health practitioners was conducted on health care risk management in this regard. Regulations on health care waste have also been developed. I thank you.
Chairperson, I would like to thank the Deputy Minister for the reply to my question.
Of course, as the Deputy Minister can see, I am from the Free State, and they have been using the Free State - the Matjhabeng, Welkom area - as a dumping ground, as you have quite correctly pointed out.
The toxic waste was cleared up. Because it was mixed with earth, it had to be carried away at a cost of approximately R50 million. I don't know which department paid for that. Yet, regarding the culprits who dumped it there, we are still awaiting the pending court case.
Does the Minister intend taking a stricter legal route to try to recover the amount, and what is the position regarding the prosecution of companies that dump medical waste?
Chair, I must indicate that I am not fully apprised of the specific court case. If the matter is indeed before the courts, we should allow it to be concluded by the courts. That should also include identifying the culprits. Thank you.
Chairperson, I would like to ask the Deputy Minister whether the Department of Health has concluded agreements with companies in certain provinces, or whether it has been left to the health departments in the various provinces to ensure that these companies have the correct equipment such as incinerators to a specific degree or as specified. Thank you.
Chair, I have referred the hon member to the relevant legislative provisions which govern not only the public sector but also the private sector and any other institution or member of society. There are also minimum norms and standards in regard to the types of incinerators to be used and how medical waste is to be disposed of. That is quite clearly outlined in the relevant legislative provisions and regulations. The departments of health in provinces are obliged to comply therewith. Thank you.
Particulars regarding departmental records of number of doctors, nurses and paramedics robbed while performing official duties
55. Mrs M C Dikgale (ANC) asked the Minister of Health:
(1) Whether his department has records of the total number of (a) doctors, (b) nurses and (c) paramedics who have been robbed while performing their official duties (i) in health facilities and/or (ii) during their visits to communities; if not, why not; if so, (aa) what is the number of such incidents that were reported in the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12 financial years, (bb) what was the specific nature of such incidents and (cc) in which provinces;
(2) whether his department has put any measures in place to protect health care workers like paramedics who are exposed to incidents of violence outside health facilities; if not, why not; if so, what measures?