EASTERN CAPE HEALTH CRISIS ACTION COALITION
Press conference: Deadline looms for Eastern Cape Health MEC Sicelo Gqobana
On September 13 2013 the Eastern Cape Health Crisis Action Coalition (ECHCAC) handed a memorandum to Eastern Cape head of department Thobile Mbengashe. In it we raised a number of issues in which we requested Eastern Cape health MEC Sicelo Gqobana to respond with a detailed turn-around plan for the province’s health system by October 11.
On September 19 health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi held a press conference where he outlined a number of interventions by the national Department of Health in the Eastern Cape. We welcomed the Minister’s prompt response and we are in the process of monitoring the interventions.
On Monday ECHCAC members will hold a meeting in East London. A press conference will be held afterwards to discuss the next steps and a response to the expected turn-around plan.
It is concerning that a day before the deadline MEC Gqobana has not yet engaged us on a turn-around plan for the crumbling Eastern Cape health system. Fixing the deadly dysfunction in the Eastern Cape health system is in the first place MEC Gqobana’s responsibility.
We trust that MEC Gqobana will respond with a provincial turn-around plan and not hide behind Minister Motsoaledi’s crisis intervention.
Press conference
When: Monday, 14 October
Time: 3.30pm
Where: Chandlers Guesthouse, 1 Lukin Road, East London
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EChealthcrisis (please like the page!)
Website www.echealthcrisis.org (please sign the memorandum!)
Phone: Kwazi Mbatha: 0780599309 or Anele Yawa: 073 555 8849
Email: echealthcrisis@rhap.org.za