MEC concerned on sexual abuse cases

By Ofentse Mokae
25 November 2009

Western Cape Health MEC Theuns Botha says is concerned about sexual abuse cases in the city.

This follows Botha’s visit to the GF Jooste Hospital in Mannenberg ahead of the 16 Days of Activism against Abuse campaign yesterday.

He said he was amazed the hospital attended to more than 100 rape victims per month at their tiny trauma centre, adding he was pleased the trauma centre ensured victims received all the necessary medical attention they needed.

GF Jooste’s abortion clinic was also kept busy by women wanting to terminate their pregnancies.

However, hospital staff said women were using easy access to abortions as a method of family planning.

The MEC said more attention must be paid to accessible and free alternative, including contraception.

Meanwhile deputy health minister Molefi Sefularo says an independent health watchdog will be introduced by April.

The watchdog will ensure that clinics and hospitals across the country adhere to quality standards.

The National Health Act will be amended to create the watchdog body, which will report to Parliament either directly or through the health minister.

Sefularo says the body will have wide-ranging powers, including the ability to shut down private or public facilities it deemed unfit.