Chairperson, 

Over the past three years, governments across our country – and around the world – had to reprioritise spending in order to combat Covid-19 and to save the lives of residents. 

Going forward, every honourable member will know that much effort will be placed on the pandemic recovery. However, at the same time, we will need to look at doing things differently. 

This couldn’t be more applicable than when it comes to delivering quality healthcare, particularly in relation to our interventions towards combatting TB in our province.  

Since the 1st of March last year, there have been more than 41 000 individuals who have contracted tuberculosis, in which just under a tenth of those have resulted in death. 

It is for this reason why the Provincial Government has pioneered in instituting various initiatives, such as the multi-sectoral Provincial TB Emergency Response Plan and the Provincial TB dashboard. These are examples of a proactive government that innovates service delivery.  

Now is the precise time for us to do more. This year alone, the Department will be spending R388 million on Tuberculosis hospitals, which is more than a 5% increase from the previous year. Over the medium term, more than R1 billion will be spent on these hospitals. Coupled to this, in the District Health Programmes Grant, the TB component has been allocated R68 million this year and almost R208 million over the next three years.  

Chairperson, health is everybody’s business and we can clearly see that these plans are proof of a government that ensures the wellbeing and dignity of residents. 

I thank you.