Chintsa Mobilises For Better Health Care Pt.3 - the March from Bisho Stadium to MEC offices

Report by Dr. Madeleine Muller, RuDASA National Secretary:

 

Friday, the 13^th of September, turned out to be a beautiful, sunny hot day in Bhisho. An ideal day for the 2km march from Bhisho Stadium to the MEC offices. The turn-out was amazing, with organisations such as HOSPERSA showing up on the day to join the coalition and Zwelinzima Vavi pitching up as a concerned citizen J.

There was something extraordinary about a united group of people that represents such a variety of citizens, all concerned with health care. This was not a march just promoting the interests of one aggrieved group – this was an inclusive coalition that represented all the people who work in or use the health care services in the Eastern Cape. Hats off to TAC (Treatment Action Campaign) for excellent organisation and the whole event went like clockwork. The report compiled by Section 27 and TAC formed a clear focus point and I think really helped pull it all together and give these issues a personal face.

It was significant that the new HOD (Head of department) of Health, Dr Mbengashe, arrived and received the memorandum with good grace and the kind of supportive response that should be expected from a savvy politician. The MEC of Health, Sicelo Gqobana, was not there (and is yet to meet with any of the coalition) and the march sent a clear message that he can run but not hide. 

 

So where are we now? Now that the memorandum has been delivered the MEC has 30 days to come up with a workable plan on addressing the various issues facing the Eastern Cape health service delivery. Unfortunately he has yet to own up that there is a problem! I think we all expect an uneventful 30 days, at which point the coalition, with Section 27 support, must decide if we up the game and go the route of legislation. There is a small sliver of hope with the new HOD and if we are very lucky he might just try and pull something out of the hat… this would indeed be a miracle and one worthy of hoping for. 

Chintsa-East was part of this amazing province-wide initiative and at 9.30 on Friday morning 35 Chintsa residents set of in a Quantum and 5 taxis for Bhisho stadium Friends of Chintsa very kindly provided the taxi, a driver and lunch in support. It was a merry bunch who took the 2km in the heat in their stride. The reason why the march was such a success is because of the multitude of small, motivated villages that have sent a group of residents to support this cause. Chintsa can be proud to have formed part of the civil society movement for better health in our province.

The process has begun. We do not expect it to be quick but we do know that it will be sure, for we will make it so!

John Stephens has also posted an excellent album on the Section 27 Facebook page.

Best wishes

Madeleine Muller