Human Rights Commission slams ‘lack of progress’ in KZN oncology crisis
The South African Human Rights Commission will compel KwaZulu-Natal health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo to appear before it next month to answer questions about the ongoing “oncology crisis” in the province.
In a statement issued on Friday afternoon‚ the commission said it had noticed continuing problems in the oncology sector in the province‚ despite it having issued a damning report 10 months ago.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint by the Democratic Alliance’s provincial health spokesperson Dr Imran Keeka.
“Ten months later and after many exchanges of correspondence and meetings with the KZN provincial department of health‚ the commission remains concerned at the lack of meaningful progress. The commission has noted the numerous reports that many cancer patients still lack access to timely and appropriate oncology health care and that some may have already died‚” the statement read.
As a result‚ the commission said it had issued Dhlomo a notice to appear before the commission on May 14 “to produce certain information and documentation as well as answer questions under oath that will be posed to him to enable the commission to decide on what action to take in order to positively impact on this undesirable situation”.