Thanks, Deputy Speaker, concerns have been raised with regard to the readiness of the country's health sector to meet the challenges arising from the coming Soccer World Cup. A surgeon at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town recently made a comment on the fact that the hospital was not ready. He said that they were not able to treat all the patients over a weekend in the current situation. This is without the influx of spectators expected for the World Cup.
Currently, Groote Schuur Hospital has a shortage of surgeons and its resuscitation area is unable to cope with the current demand. Many may argue that this was just an isolated case, but Groote Schuur Hospital is one of the leading hospitals in the Western Cape and in South Africa. One can be assured that it would not be an isolated case.
According to reports, a National Health Insurance system in South Africa would cost something in the area of R200 billion annually. That would roughly be equal to building a new stadium every week for 52 weeks a year forever. As much as national health insurance is a noble idea, its implementation is where the problem lies.
To give this kind of responsibility to a department that overspent its budget by R12 billion at a provincial level is irresponsible or risky. However, the manner in which the Minister is going about addressing the health concerns of the nation deserves support. Cope supports the Vote. I thank you.