Date: 15/04/2010
Source: Independent Democrats
Title: ID: Gunda: Speech by ID Member of Parliament on health budget vote, National Assembly

Honourable Speaker,

Allow me to firstly pay tribute to one of our dear colleagues who sadly is not with us here today, the hardworking and dedicated late Deputy Minister Dr Sefularo.

Hon Chair, the Honourable Minister Motsoaledi's candid and honest recognition of the many challenges in our public healthcare sector is very encouraging and gives us hope that our health department is in the right hands.

Chair, up until now our healthcare sector has been largely curative in nature and little attention has been focused on prevention.

This recognition has to be the first step in building a healthier nation for the future and the ID is therefore encouraged by the mass education campaigns on TB and the immunisation of children across the country.

In line with our belief that health education forms the cornerstone of any preventative healthcare strategy the ID calls for the re-introduction of health education in all schools across the country.

The ID fully supports the 10-Point Plan and welcomes the prioritisation of its 20 deliverables.

However, the plan will fail without strict monitoring and evaluation.

Chair, the release of the recent Burden of Disease Report brought to light some extremely worrying trends.

The impact of alcohol abuse in our country is having a devastating impact on our ability to address the huge healthcare challenges, especially in relation to HIV and Aids, TB and other diseases.

The Government had a vigorous campaign again smoking and I would like to challenge the Minister to have the very same vigorous campaign against the abuse of alcohol.

This should include a complete ban on alcohol advertising.

Irresponsible behaviour linked with high rates of alcohol abuse also has a direct impact on the violent crime rate.

These billions are needed to overcome healthcare inequalities.

Chair, the ID reiterates its support for the National Health Insurance scheme.

However, we call on the Minister to take the nation into his confidence and release the scheme's plans and costs as a matter of urgency.

We are also encouraged by the Department's recent acquisition of flu vaccines to treat millions of South Africans.

However, South Africans who visit private doctors are now unable to access these vaccines as the Department has bought the whole lot.

Lastly the ID would like to hear from the Minister when he plans to make these vaccines available to the public.

The ID supports this budget.

I thank you.