Issued by: North West Communication Centre
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SOCIAL WELFARE REPLY TO ALLEGATIONS OF EXPLOITATION OF CUBAN DOCTORS IN NORTH WEST
Following in depth investigations with all parties involved in the story concerning the unhappiness of Cuban doctors based at Tshwaragano Hospital in the North West, the Provincial Department of Health and Developmental Social Welfare has since established that the allegations made in the Business Day article of April 29, 1996 are untrue, and that the reporter - Kathy Strachan - used unethical journalistic methods to gain access to the doctors.
Reports received from staff are that Ms Strachan claimed she needed the doctors to provide her with background information for an article she was writing for the "Health Systems Trust" magazine on the Northern Cape. She also promised to submit the article to all concerned for verification prior to publication.
Also, the department has since received a letter from Dr Gonzalez expressing disappointment at the way in which his statements wee misused by the journalist. Gonzalez further states that he and his colleagues do not feel they are being exploited, and have no intention of leaving Tshwaragano because they are committed to giving assistance to those who need it.
Ms Caroline Ntoane, deputy director of the department regrets the unnecessary misunderstanding caused by the article and wishes to assure the Cuban doctors that their services are valued by us and the people of the North West.
Contact: Ms Thandiwe Maimane (0140) 899233 June 3 1996