What do we need to do to provide quality and accessible health care to all South Africans? By the Minister's own admission, we need to triple the number of health care professionals. However, the human resources allocation reflects a mere 7,35% increase. This is absolutely inadequate. We need an efficient, accountable and financially responsible Department of Health.
The department has, however, regressed to a qualified audit report owing to, amongst other reasons, incurring irregular expenditure of R33,2 million; incurring fruitless expenditure of R2,5 million; financial mismanagement; uncompetitive and unfair procurement processes; noncompliance with laws and regulations; and a lack of accountability and good governance.
The budget of R27,5 billion represents a 6% increase on last year's expenditure. The funds are available. The right governance, administration and competencies to use these resources are, however, lacking. No society can prosper without an affordable, high-quality and easily accessible health care system that allows people to reach their potential, follow their dreams and care for their families. The government is failing to deliver this promise for a better South Africa. The DA cannot support this Budget Vote. Thank you very much, hon Chairperson.