The DA's Jack Bloom says he is disappointed that Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang showed little understanding over Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital using cardboard boxes instead of cribs for babies.

The DA's Jack Bloom says he is disappointed that Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang showed little understanding over Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital using cardboard boxes instead of cribs for babies.

"During her visit to the hospital, we got an astonishing display of pretentious ignorance and evasion of blame," Bloom thundered.

The only thing I find astonishing is his opportunism to score a few political points. Both the health minister and Health MEC Brian Hlongwa explained the situation.

As quoted in this newspaper's report last week, the health minister said: "The article and photographs of three babies placed in a cardboard box were very disturbing as they directly contradicted what we stand for as the Department of Health."

Hlongwa said budgetary constraints had not required cardboard boxes to be used. Put simpler, it was not because there was no money to buy cribs. There were clearly other reasons that needed investigating.

Granted, it is the duty of the opposition party to expose shortcomings of the ruling party, but people like Bloom need to work a little on their facts if they wish to make sensible arguments.

Bhungani Mzolo

deputy director of communication, Health

Department