23 September 2004
The Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, is shocked by a media report that para-medics from Johannesburg Emergency Management Services allegedly left a homeless man to die because he was too dirty.
The alleged conduct of these health workers is appalling and should be addressed immediately as it undermines the efforts of the Department of Health to bring dignity to all South Africans through quality health care.
"I commend the management of the Johannesburg Emergency services for immediately launching an investigation into this incident. The strongest possible action should be taken against whoever is found guilty of this horrifying behaviour. We should ensure that such an incident never happens again in this country," said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang.
Every South African has a right to access to health care ad no one can be denied access to emergency health services. It is a duty of all health entities to promote these rights that are entrenched in our Constitution.
The Ministry of Health would like to express its condolences for the death of this man (whose identity is known at this stage).
Issued by Ministry of Health
Contact Sibani Mngadi@0827720161