ANC CALLS FOR PROBE INTO BABIES' DEATHS IN PE

The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape is outraged by this week's reported deaths of babies at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital and sends its heartfelt condolences to the affected families.

Strongly believing that this senseless loss of life could have been avoided, we call on Health MEC Phumulo Masualle to urgently conduct a full-scale investigation on this matter so that those found to have been negligent should account for their actions. Punitive measures - in line with the Labour Relations Act - should be applied to those found to have been negligent. This will make them remember that it is always the poor who bear the brunt of such inefficiencies. The ANC has a duty to protect their interests.

Developing an effective and efficient health system is at the core of Government's efforts to redress past imbalances. The ANC has a responsibility to ensure that Government works effectively in collaboration with all key sectors of our society through a social compact to transform healthcare. We are mindful of a racially skewed healthcare system inherited by the ANC Government, which promoted racial segregation and discrimination - something taking years to undo.

The Freedom Charter and most recently the 2009 Election Manifesto, commits the ANC to deliver a preventive health scheme run by the state; free medical care and hospitalisation provided for all, with special care for mothers and young children.

The ANC wishes to reaffirm its commitment to redressing social and economic injustices, eradicating poverty, reducing wastage, and increasing efficiency and promoting greater control by communities and individuals over all aspects of their lives.

Statement issued by Mlibo Qoboshiyane, ANC Eastern Cape Spokesperson, May 27 2010

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