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Media Statement: SAHRC Issues Notice to Compel MEC of Health, KwaZulu-Natal, Hon. Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, to Appear in Regard the KwaZulu-Natal Oncology Crisis
Attention: Editors and Reporters
Friday, 20 April 2018
Since the issuance of its investigative report titled, Dr Imran Keeka, Democratic Alliance, MPL v Addington Hospital, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal & MEC: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal (commonly referred to as the KwaZulu-Natal Oncology Crisis), the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) has engaged with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health with the view to bringing about tangible improvements to the situation of lack of access to Oncology health care users in KwaZulu-Natal that had prompted the Commission to investigate in the first place.
Friday, 20 April 2018
Since the issuance of its investigative report titled, Dr Imran Keeka, Democratic Alliance, MPL v Addington Hospital, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal & MEC: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal (commonly referred to as the KwaZulu-Natal Oncology Crisis), the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC or Commission) has engaged with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health with the view to bringing about tangible improvements to the situation of lack of access to Oncology health care users in KwaZulu-Natal that had prompted the Commission to investigate in the first place.
Ten months later and after many exchanges of correspondence and meetings with the KZN provincial Department of Health, the Commission remains concerned at the lack of meaningful progress. The Commission has noted the numerous reports that many cancer patients still lack access to timely and appropriate oncology health care and that some may have already died.
In order to find a tangible solution to this matter, the Commission has therefore issued a Notice to Appear in terms of section 15(1) (c) of the South African Human Rights Commission Act, 40 of 2013 (SAHRC Act), requiring the KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Health, Hon. Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, to appear before the Commission on 14th May 2018 to produce certain information and documentation as well as answer questions under oath that will be posed to him to enable the Commission to decide on what action to take in order to positively impact on this undesirable situation.
Ends
Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Gushwell Brooks - Communications Co-ordinator. Cell: 082 645 8573 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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