Briefing on child deaths called off
A NATIONAL Assembly health committee meeting was called off yesterday after it emerged that Eastern Cape health department superintendent-general Dr Siva Pillay had arrived alone to brief the committee.
The committee had asked the department for a briefing on child mortality and infection control in the province.
Committee chairperson Bevan Goqwana said they had received a report suggesting that more than 30 infants had died in the province each month since February.
"We want to know the cause of these deaths, and to see if they can't be curbed so that they don't spread to other provinces, and also find out how can we assist as MPs," he said.
However, as the meeting got under way, Goqwana noted that only the head of department - Pillay - was present, saying the committee was particularly interested in hearing about the events at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha from "the people on the ground".
Pillay said he was alone because of "competing interests".
Firstly, President Jacob Zuma was visiting the province and all heads of departments were asked to accompany him.
But, out of respect for the committee, he had decided to come to Cape Town for the briefing.
"But (secondly) we have serious financial constraints and some of the things are austerity measures on travel. So if one person can represent the organisation, then I think that is the measure we are taking," he said.
An extensive discussion ensued, during which MPs from all parties present expressed their dissatisfaction at Pillay's lone appearance.
zaman
What you were thinking Mr Pillay children are dying this is serious dep.of health are not playinggames I,was impressed they chased you away.
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