Thank you, Chairperson. I will speak in English. As members will note, the objects of the Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Bill are to amend the Medicines and Related Substances Act of 1965.
This will provide for the establishment of the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority; the certification and registration of products, which include medicines, certain foodstuffs and cosmetics; control of scheduled substances; the certification and registration of medical devices; and the abolition of the Medicines Control Council and the pricing committee, and matters related thereto.
The principal Act of 1965 did not provide for access to health care services for all South Africans. Beyikhetha abamhlophe kuphela. [It selected the whites only.] And this Bill seeks to ensure that access to affordable and quality health care is achieved for all South Africans, including us, the black people.
The Act of 1997 sought to control the manufacture, sales and distribution of medicines, with the Minister of Health regulating the supply of more affordable medicines in certain cases, and to protect the public interest. The Act of 2002 as it was introduced was also assisting in the regulation, marketing, compounding and dispensing of medicines.
This Bill aims to ensure that the Medicines Control Council functions effectively, efficiently and broadens its mandate to cover approval of the complementary and African traditional medicines, medical devices, cosmetics and food products with medical claims.
Now, section 1 of this Bill seeks to amend and provide for the definitions of words, such as the substitution of certain words like "medicines", which is now substituted with the word "products". [Interjections.]