Inkatha Freedom Party Statement By:

DR RUTH RABINOWITZ MP 

IFP SPOKESPERSON ON HEALTH

9th August, 2007

On behalf of the IFP, I have only good words for the Deputy Minister of Health. It will be a sad irony if this Women's Day is marked by her departure. 

She tried to make the health department one that assists people cope with their sickness and suffering and in so doing, came face to face with unworkable elements in the way it operates. Her response to the infant mortality rate at Mt Frere hospital was characteristic of her honest efforts to admit problems and try to mend them.  

If her dismissal is related to her independence of thought and her desire to correct the ills of government, it bodes ill for any Minister or ANC member who in future tries to rectify problems with the fundamental nature of power holding, so important to the government.  

It suggests that power and obedience are more important than effectiveness and honesty. That being the case, what hope do we have for improvement in our country? 

FOR MORE INFO: 

Dr Ruth Rabinowitz M.P(MB BCh) 

JHB:Tel: 011 802 1826  
Fax: 011 804 4221 

C.T: Tel: 021 403 3061  
Fax: 021 403 3334 

Cell: 082 579 3698