Hon Chairperson, on behalf of my party, the ID, I would like to extend our congratulations to the Minister on his recent appointment to what we believe is an extremely challenging position. We look forward to engaging with the department to find solutions to the massive health challenges that we face.
Chairperson, the ID is extremely concerned about the implications of the doctors' strike. While we understand the frustration doctors feel because of their unacceptably low salaries, the long working hours and the department's empty promises, the fact remains that it is morally wrong for innocent people to suffer and die, and we as the ID cannot sit back and watch as if nothing is wrong. Our doctors did not study medicine for this, and while we stand with them in solidarity, the ID urges doctors to go back to work and to give the negotiations with the department a chance. The department must bear equal responsibility for this crisis because of its failure to deliver on its promises. We call on the department to negotiate in a transparent manner and to take responsibility for its mistakes.
The ID would also like to call on the department to re-evaluate its quota on the number of foreign doctors permitted to work in the country, because this is having a devastating effect on the health of the poor, especially those who live in the rural areas.
We must revisit our government-to-government contracts and appeal for assistance from other nations through this crisis.
Chairperson, inequalities in health care have always been a major concern to us and this is why we have advocated for the national health insurance.
We cannot continue to have a situation where only 35% of doctors cater for 35 million people in public health facilities, while 65% of doctors cater for 7 million people that are covered by medical aid.
Our nation must understand that uniting to address the massive inequalities in our health care system is unavoidable. [Time expired.] I thank you, Chairperson.