Emergency Medical Services – ECHCAC analysis of ECDoH response to Commission

On 14 June 2016, the Eastern Cape Health Action Crisis Coalition wrote to the South African Human Rights Commission in relation to the Eastern Cape Department of Health Response to the Commission’s report on Emergency Health Services in the province.

1. We noted that on 1 April 2016, the Eastern Cape Department of Health (Department or ECDoH) responded to the Commission’s 2 October 2015 report on its investigation into Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Planned Patient Transport (PPT in the Eastern Cape. After multiple requests (including to the Department itself), the Commission provided the response to the Coalition on 13 April 2016.

2. We attach to this letter our detailed analysis of the Department’s response. As is evident from the analysis, the response indicates the Department misunderstands and is not fulfiling its obligations in terms of the Constitution, legislation, its undertakings at the hearing and the Commission’s report.

3. The Coalition’s own monitoring of conditions in communities confirms this. The same communities that informed the Commission’s investigation now report that they have experienced no tangible improvements in services since the Commission’s hearing. Should the Commission want further evidence from these communities, we will put the Commission in contact with the relevant structures, leaders and individuals.

Read the full letter and analysis of the report below.

14 June 2016 – ECHCAC analysis of ECDoH response to SAHRC

14 June 2016 – Letter from ECHCAC to SAHRC re EMS response