Health Minister's remarks complicate SA’s efforts to secure much-needed funding
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi briefs the media on efforts to fill the funding gap left by the US government following its decision to cut support for South Africa's response to HIV/AIDS and TB programmes.
Image: Siyabulela Duda| GCIS
I REFER to your Friday edition: “SA won’t beg USA for funding – Motsoaledi”
It is understandable to state the country won’t beg but why even say it when the very statement is intended to irritate the donor. It is clear under every single set of circumstances that South Africa does not have enough funding to run its medical health systems.
Already we are seeing how doctors are not being paid their overtime and other doctors can’t find jobs despite the empty posts at various hospitals. We also read how hospitals are collapsing around the country. Despite this, the Health Minister wants us to believe that all is well on the ground and that all the funders are willing to come forward immediately.
This statement is not convincing, and we are hearing from medical practitioners who are at the coal face they are concerned.
The co-founder of the Treatment Action Campaign, Zackie Achmat,at least appeared at the Portfolio Committee on Health and his statements brought them back to reality. The warning from Achmat is that funding cuts can lead to gaps in service delivery.
In essence I am saying that it does not help to make veiled threats against the very country that has been an extremely generous donor to South African health care over many, many years.
MICHAEL BAGRAIM | Highlands Estate