DA APPLIES FOR GAUTENG BABY DEATHS REPORT

I have today submitted an application to the Gauteng Health Department for the full report of the investigation into the deaths of six babies at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in May this year.

This application is in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, and the department has 30 days to supply the report.

It is totally inexcusable that only a two-page summary has been released rather than the full report.

This is why there is much public scepticism that the truth has been told in this tragic matter.

We need to see an uncensored report so that we can judge for ourselves why it happened and whether it was preventable.

The mothers of the babies also need to be fully briefed, which has unfortunately not happened.

I find it incredible that Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu could think that anything other than full disclosure is acceptable.

Statement by Jack Bloom, MPL, Democratic Alliance Gauteng Health Spokesman, July 22 2010

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