The visit of the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, to Kimberley merely highlighted shortcomings in the provincial healthcare system already identified by the Auditor-General (AG) and the Health Ombud.
This confirms that the provincial MEC for Health, Mr Maruping Lekwene, should be stripped of his office at once.
The reports by the Ombud and the AG leave no room for doubt that there is a deeply rooted culture of mismanagement, impunity and financial recklessness in the Department.
Every day that Lekwene remains in office is costing the people of the Northern Cape their health and, in some cases, their lives.
The people of the Northern Cape deserve a functioning healthcare system that saves lives and manages taxpayers’ money responsibly.
There should be no political protection for incompetence and corruption. The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) will keep the pressure on until there is actual accountability and improved service delivery.
The Health Ombud’s report exposes serious shortcomings, mismanagement and a culture of impunity.
This is further corroborated by the latest AG report, which highlights a pattern of financial mismanagement, irregular expenditure and failure to comply with basic legislation.
In addition to the Freedom Front Plus demanding the head of the MEC, after years of warnings and negative reports, the party also insists on disciplinary and, where applicable, criminal proceedings against relevant officials.
Those involved in malpractices and financial mismanagement may not get off scot-free.
Contingency plans to address staff and equipment shortages in district hospitals and clinics are urgently needed. Lastly, independent monitoring and reporting should be employed to ensure that the recommendations of both the Ombud and the AG are fully implemented.
