By Celani Sikhakhane
- The DA says the health budget passed with no cuts for the first time in 10 years despite MKP objections.
- MKP members claim the budget ignores hospital problems and the shortage of doctors.
The KwaZulu-Natal health budget passed without any cuts for the first time in a decade – despite loud objections from uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) members.
The DA in the KZN Legislature says this was a big win for the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), which passed the budget through a majority vote.
Dr Imraan Keeka, the DA’s spokesperson on health, said the budget is vital for delivering healthcare in the province.
“KZN’s health budget is crucial to ensure that services are delivered to the many people in our province reliant on government healthcare,” said Keeka.
He said the MKP failed to offer any real alternatives during the budget discussions, choosing only to criticise.
“Opposition politics must never be at the expense of the people,” said Keeka. “The MKP was prepared to allow healthcare to fall apart while its members failed to provide any tangible or workable solutions.”
Two MKP members voted against the budget, saying it doesn’t deal with major hospital issues or the serious doctor shortage in the province.
Keeka said if the health portfolio committee had failed to pass the budget, it would not have gone to the legislature for a final vote later this month. Until then, the department won’t be able to fully use its funds.
The DA welcomed the revised budget, which includes a 2.5% increase and no cuts – a move they say should help hire more healthcare workers.
Keeka also warned that the MKP has made it a habit to oppose important budgets.
Pictured above: DA spokesperson on health Dr Imraan Keeka says MKP failed to stop the revised health budget.
Image source: DA
