Hon Chairperson, health remains a key portfolio in our growing democracy, with its issues affecting the entire socioeconomic spectrum. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that the Minister achieves maximum impact with the limited allocation of resources received from the Treasury.
The IFP believes that the shortage of hospitals and clinics in rural areas means that there is a problem in foundational and mandatory areas. That is where the department should focus its limited resources and to which it should pay greater attention.
There is a dire need for more hospitals and clinics in rural areas and an even more pressing need for qualified doctors and nursing staff in our existing care facilities. Since this problem has been acknowledged and is currently being addressed by the department, the IFP would urge greater attention to be paid to the issue. This is because it is of paramount importance that we have able human capital capacity on the ground if we are to deliver adequate and competent health care services to our citizens.
We must also ensure that our rural hospitals and clinics are adequately resourced with the necessary sanitation and consumable supplies, in order to avoid unnecessary adverse health issues arising in our care facilities as a result of unhygienic conditions.
With regard to training institutions for medical practitioners, we welcome the allocation of R1,2 billion allocated to develop nursing homes, colleges and the establishment of a national institute that will provide leadership training in health to our health care personnel.
However, the continuing exodus of newly qualified doctors to foreign countries remains a most worrisome trend. What is the department doing to ensure that our health care professionals stay in South Africa? Why do we make it so difficult for our young, newly qualified doctors to obtain medical internships at our hospitals? These are all questions that must be addressed and workable solutions must be found.
Women and children's health improvement and the reduction of the infant and child mortality rate, although less than the previous years, require our continued and renewed effort. In addition, with levels of violence against women and children remaining alarmingly high in South Africa, specifically with regard to rape, sexual abuse and domestic violence, we need to ensure that all our medical institutions are adequately capacitated in order to render the necessary assistance to victims of these abuses, in both a timeous and professional manner. This is particularly necessary yet lacking in our rural areas.
The HIV/Aids levels need to be greatly reduced. It remains a scourge in both our country and on our continent.
In conclusion, the IFP urges the Minister and the department to leave no stone unturned in pursuing excellence in delivery that is optimal for all the people of our country and to continue to pursue an outcomes-based approach to service delivery, which is their solemn obligation and duty. We fully support the Budget Vote. Thank you. [Applause.]