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Today the Premier Candidate, Chris Pappas, alongside Western Cape Health Minister, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo and DA KZN Health Spokesperson, Edwin Baptie, led an oversight at KZN health facilities including RK Khan hospital where findings point to a worrying state.

This follows reports of severe ambulance shortages, with only one ambulance operating and severely long response times. However our delegation was prevented from entering the premises, despite prior written notice.

This raises serious questions such as what is the KZN Health Department trying to hide? Why the well-orchestrated secrecy?

According to the Western Cape Health Minister this is an absolute contrast to the state of affairs in the Western Cape where the DA governs and transparency exists. In the Western Cape vacancies are filled with staff hired based on merit and competency. Infrastructure is well maintained and timeously so, in line with the 2030 Healthcare plan while implementing the 2030 plan. Mbombo revealed that the DA-run Western Cape is the only province in Africa that utilizes robotics surgery at its public hospitals.

The Premier Candidate also met with a local Chatsworth family who, till this day have not received closure for the traumatic experience at the hands of RK Khan staff which includes a near-death medical emergency while waiting 4 hours to be attended to, suspected negligence and loss of medical records all within 24 hours.

During his recent Provincial Manifesto Pledges launch, Pappas, unveiled how the DA would inject efficiency into the medical system in the province and cut wait times for ambulances, doctors appointments and surgeries by half.

The people of this province can also play their part in saving lives by ushering in a new, caring DA government on the 29th of May.

Issued by Chris Pappas - DA KZN Premier Candidate