Baby deaths: DA reiterates call for inquiry

The Democratic Alliance reiterates its call for a full independent inquiry into all neonatal wards across the country, after recent news of 29 baby deaths at the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital (CMH) in East London.

It has been reported that 29 babies died in a three-week period from late December 2010 to mid January 2011, 13 due to bacterial infections.

It seems nothing has been learnt from tragic deaths at Frere, two and a half years ago. Frere forms part of the same hospital complex, whose CEO, Luvuyo Mosana, is an ex-ANC councillor, and is, we believe, unqualified for the position he holds.

It has been reported that the neonatal ward at Cecilia Makiwane has run out of basic supplies such as antiseptic soap, gloves and hands-free spray containers used to fight killer infections. Despite these latest tragic incidents, Mr Mosana's contract has again been extended, this time until the end of June. He also apparently received a performance bonus of R19 000.

I will be writing to the Minister and the MEC of Health in the Eastern Cape calling for Mr Mosana's performance contract to be made public.

It is high time the ANC government took decisive action in dealing with the number of baby deaths instead of merely reacting every time there is an infection outbreak.

Statement issued by Mike Waters MP, Democratic Alliance Shadow Minister of Health, March 8 2011

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