Hon House Chairperson, the ... [Inaudible.] service delivery and accountability for public health resources are essential in the public health services of this country. In South Africa where we have unequal resources distribution, poverty and inequality this becomes even more necessary and urgent.
Public health care is essential but what we are witnessing in South Africa is a public health care service which is itself on life support. The SA Health Products Regulatory Authority, Sahpra, is for all intents and purposes becoming hostile towards our own doctors who have trained and qualified as medical professionals abroad, instead of finding solutions to fast-track and place these health care professionals in our hospitals, Sahpra is building barriers which prevent and frustrate their entry to practise in South Africa. Why is the Minister not intervening in this crisis? What we have been witnessing over the last 25 years in South Africa is the gradual erosion of our public service. We spend billions on health care and yet this country still suffers from a high burden of preventable illness and premature death.
South Africa is currently affected by what is being termed the quadruple burden of disease which is HIV/Aids, tuberculosis, TB, non-communicable diseases, trauma and a high level of maternal and child mortality. In addition, we are witnessing what we have previously being termed ... disease of influence such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
This government has fallen short of its own promises as contained in its own 10-Point Health Care Plan of 2010. There is in fact no delivery. Where is the strengthening of research and development in our 10 Point Plan? The IFP supports. [Applause.]
Mr P A VAN STADEN Ms M D HLENGWA