Note for editors: Search attached English And Sesotho Sound bites by David Masoeu MPL
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will question the freedom of free state, Monyatso Malatsi, in the legislative power about the slow and inadequate response of the department to the escalating mortuary crisis in the province.
We will also immediately seek clarity about how the MEC intends to guarantee essential forensic pathology services in the meantime, without jeopardizing the dignity of the deceased and the rights of relatives in the midst of widespread closures.
Three more government shortuaria in the free state, including Bot Shabelo, Bethlehem and Phuthaditjhaba are closed. This situation also worsens the critical circumstances after the closure of the flower fountain Mortuary, which was previously concluded by the Ministry of Labor as a result of non-compliance.
De DA will come into contact with the MEC, Mr Mahlatsi, about the situation and progress of his plans, which according to a media source is to collaborate with the National Ministry of Public Works to make infrastructure improvements to these facilities.
Prior to the recent promotion of the Department of Labor, six of the seven Mortuaria, namely Phuthaditjaba, Bethlehem, Bot Shabelo, Welcome, Sasolburg, Kroonstad and Welcome, were still operational. Currently, only three of the seven Mortuaria are operational, where Bloemfontein is only partially operational.
The DA continues to commit itself to the guarantee of accountability by the Ministry of Health and will also bring the matter to the Human Rights Commission if there is no improvement in the situation.
Democratic Alliance – Free State
fs.da.org.za