Chairperson, hon Minister, hon Deputy Minister and distinguished guests, I listened carefully as you mentioned the pandemics South Africa is facing. I could not but note that all four are by and large preventable or, if one is already infected, their impact on one's body can be controlled or managed.
As we talk about the statistics, we have to always remind ourselves that we are talking about human beings here. That is why Azapo rejoices at every announcement of an improvement in our health system.
We welcome the increase in the number of clinics that are licensed or accredited to administer antiretroviral drugs and the increase in the number of nurses who can administer these. The decision to start ARV treatment for people with a CD4 count of 350 is a welcome one, because people who have a CD4 count of 200 are already very sick, and therefore need more care.
Hon Minister, there are just two issues that we want you to grapple with. You have stated that the budget of the Department of Health is 8,7% of the gross domestic product, GDP. That is not bad for a developing country like South Africa.
If you say it is R25 billion, how much of this money is being spent on the public health system? We are asking this question because we hold the view that private health providers are making huge profits while public health facilities are struggling to make ends meet.
With the best intentions and all the money being pumped into the health system, something has to be said and done about the people who work in our health facilities. Without tarring all health workers with the same brush, let me say we are always disturbed when we hear or read about the bad treatment that our people receive at the hands of some of the health workers. We do not have time to enumerate these incidents, but the country needs the assurance that your department will deal with the errant workers.
Azapo supports Budget Vote No 16. I thank you. [Applause.]