SAHRC demands answers from Eastern Cape health over hospital crisis

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in the Eastern Cape has subpoenaed the Eastern Cape Department of Health’s Head of Department to its hearings into public healthcare in the province.

Head of Department Rolene Wagner is required to appear before the commission in East London on Tuesday morning. Failure to do so will result in Wagner being fined or facing possible imprisonment.

The Eastern Cape’s public hospitals have come under scrutiny after numerous complaints were laid with the SAHRC.

The commission said the list of issues includes unsafe and dilapidated buildings, a shortage of healthcare workers, and limited access to medication.

Along with abrupt clinic closures, it said patients have also raised concerns over prolonged water shortages and the unfair treatment of patients.

The commission has emphasised the importance of protecting the constitutional rights of the public, which include the rights to health, dignity, life, and equality.

The provincial health department will be required to provide the commission with written and oral responses to address the concerns that have been put into the spotlight.