RE: CORRUPTION BY NETCARE SELLING OF HUMAN BODY PARTS

COSATU in KwaZulu-Natal is deeply disturbed and shocked to hear the latest revelations showing that Netcare, in particular St. Augustine Hospital for performing illegal kidney transplants. It is extremely surprising and disappointing to learn that institution of that nature can repeatedly contravene the Human Tissue Act in order to make huge profits.

The Federation is disturbed that the criminal charges against Netcare are dropped because they pleaded guilty, we therefore demand a harsher action against this company. The justice system proves us once again that those with money when they break the law it becomes toothless and this action is sending a wrong message that as long as you can pay you can get away with the most atrocious acts in our country.

We note with serious concern the role of media and capitalists who always associate corruption with public sector and government institution and less focus on exposing serious corruption in private sector where most is rife and alive. The immoral and criminal behavior by Netcare confirms our suspicion that private health care primary concern is how much money can they make from the plight of the sick and poor not about improving and providing quality care to our people. To speak the truth, these private institutions exist to make money nothing else even if it is at the expense of the poor and the working class and we think this immoral act exposes their interest and agenda.

1. We are vindicated in our fight against corruption in all sectors of the society and spheres of life. There is an assumption that corruption only takes place in the public sector not in the private sector. This shows that the treatment is grossly inconsistent. Cde John Block is currently in and out of courts because of charges of corruption but the CEO's of Netcare only get a slap in the hand for corruption. Although this does not mean we condone or defend Cde John Block on the allegations he is charged with.  For us this is the abortion of justice, they should also face the similar fate and answer in court for their actions. Corruption in the public sector is the same as corruption in the private sector.

2. Tiger Brands was found guilty of corruption through price fixing and the only recourse was for them to pay R500 million and to drop the price of bread. We are saying the CEO's and anyone else who was involved should be brought to book and answer in the court of law. If doctors were involve in the Netcare saga they should be struck off the roll by the Doctors Association and be answerable in court of law. Corruption must become a societal issue because it takes away from the poor to serve the interest of the few who are in most time rich.

3. We are not surprised why some private health care institutions are so vociferously against the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme. We have been vindicated in our call for the immediate implementation of the NHI and our opposition to the commodification of the health sector because our understanding is that health provision is a constitutional right for all citizens and believe that sick people are not commodities to be exploited by the capitalist.

4. They have betrayed the people they swore to serve, save and protect in pursuit of profits when those who have donated are likely to suffer and die should one of their body parts fail to function. This is relevant to kidneys, should the last kidney fail after the donation, that person is likely to die and the Netcare will not assist the donor to get another kidney free of charge.

5. We are calling for all involved in such a scam to be charged individually and collectively so that anyone who is even thinking about taking advantage of the poor know their fate long before they take chance. Corruption in the public sector is being fought and many prominent politicians are getting arrested and go to court to be proven guilty or innocent, the same treatment must be taken against the CEOs of hospital.

6. We further call upon government in particular the department of health to open a case against this hospital and to establish a commission of enquiry to establish further other effect of corruption in this hospital for public information.

Statement issued by Jet Luzipho, COSATU KZN provincial secretary, November 11 2010

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