Locals support MEC’s criticism of African leaders seeking medical care abroad
Midrand resident agrees with MEC Phophi Ramathuba's statement, arguing that African leaders do not invest enough in their own healthcare systems.
Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba has criticised the trend of African political leaders travelling abroad to access healthcare, instead of fixing the collapsing healthcare systems in their own countries.
She made this statement at the three-day Africa Health Indaba at Gallagher Convention Centre on October 18, where thought leaders and politicians in the healthcare sector from across Africa gathered to discuss the future of healthcare on the continent.
“When I am sick I can be flown to a five-star medical centre and we don’t care. We die in hospitals in Turkey and Singapore,” explained Ramathuba.
“When you get to those hospitals it is five-star service. But who is paying for that? The very same poor and vulnerable we have left behind. No African leader must consult in another country. They must fix their own system. Die in your own country and hospitals.”
Many residents agree with Ramathuba’s statement, arguing that African leaders do not invest enough in their own healthcare systems.
One resident, Musa Khoza, compares the situation to a man who never eats at home and therefore never gives his wife enough money to ‘cook a good soup’.
He believes that leaders have no incentive to improve the healthcare system because they and their families never need to use it.
Another resident, Siphelele Mazibuko, agrees with the MEC, stating, “Fundamentally, we all want the same thing – a functional, quality healthcare system that is within reach for all.”
*In a previous version of this article the Health Funders Association Phumelele Makatini’s press release was used out of context. This newspaper sincerely apologises for this error.
