24 hours for MEC to account on helicopter for crash victim
THE Democratic Alliance has given KZN Health MEC, Sibongiseni Dhlomo, 24 hours to account for why he was using a medical helicopter needed by a car-crash victim. The KZN legislature is sitting on Tuesday morning.
The DA wrote to the MEC this morning demanding he make an urgent statement to the provincial legislature explaining what emergency he needed the helicopter for. If this is not done within 24 hours the DA will take further action to get to the truth.
Asheen Maharaj (15) was declared brain-dead on Saturday because he could not urgently be rushed for medical treatment after the crash. His family died in the accident.
The refusal by MEC Dhlomo to give reasons for why he was using Durban's only medical helicopter is unacceptable.
Power abuse cannot go unchecked when the damage to the lives of ordinary people is so great.
The DA will not stop pushing for answers until someone takes responsibility for this horrific tragedy.
Text of the letter:
12 November 2012
The MEC for Health
1st Floor Natalia Building
330 Langalibalele Street
PETERMARITZBURG
Dear MEC Dhlomo
RE: USE OF MEDICAL HELICOPTER
The Democratic Alliance is concerned about your failure to disclose the reasons for your use of Durban's only medical helicopter this weekend and the impact this had on car-crash victim Asheen Maharaj.
The delay has had a major impact on the health of Mr Maharaj, who is now brain-dead in hospital.
Your refusal so far to give reasons for why you were using Durban's only medical helicopter is unacceptable.
The DA demands that you make an urgent statement to the KZN legislature explaining what emergency he needed the helicopter for. If this is not done within 24 hours the DA will take further action to get to the truth.
We await your response on this urgent matter with anticipation.
Yours Sincerely
Mark Steele MPP
Member of the KZN Legislature
DA KZN Alternate Health Spokesperson
Statement issued by Mark Steele MPP, DA KZN Alternate Spokesperson on Health, November 12 2012
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