ANCYL's utterances on hospital CEOs ‘disingenuous' - SAMA

The Limpopo ANC Youth League's public criticism of the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi's intention to recruit hospital CEOs with a healthcare management background was both disingenuous and unfortunate, according to the SA Medical Association (SAMA).

The Minister had reiterated his intentions in this regard on a public broadcaster talk show yesterday morning, that people who are medically and managerially trained as well as possessing the relevant experience must manage the hospitals.

Commenting on the statements made by the league on Capricorn FM last night, chair of SAMA's Committee for Public Sector Doctors, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, questioned the league's position on the hospital management issue:

"As the medical profession, we are not entirely sure what informed the league's position on this particular issue. We know, however, that the Minister's decision was informed by a qualitative study into effectiveness and efficiencies in hospitals, coupled with several consultations with health practitioners and medical bodies including SAMA," said Dr Ramathuba.

"We will therefore continue to support the Minister's resolution and decision as it is one of ours," said Dr Ramathuba.

The Association is concerned that the ANCYL ‘s unfortunate stance will have an effect of reversing the medical profession's gains in improving the public health care system and achieving ‘Quality health care for ALL in our life time'.

"The league must understand that, as they are fighting for economic freedom in their life time, we have long, relentlessly and unapologetically embarked on a quest to achieve quality and accessible public health care system for all South Africans."

"Perhaps the league can put their energies in assisting us address the shortage of doctors in the country, by joining our Saturday and winter school programmes for Grade 12 maths and science, as well as encouraging them to take up medicine as a career," Dr Ramathuba said.

About the South African Medical Association (SAMA)
The South African Medical Association (SAMA) is a non-statutory, professional association for public and private sector medical practitioners.
Registered as an independent, non-profit Section 21 company SAMA acts as a trade union for its public sector members and as a champion for doctors and patients.

Statement issued by Dr Phophi Ramathuba, SAMA, April 24 2012

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