Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang said on Wednesday she was ”humbled and honoured” that President Thabo Mbeki appointed her for another term.
”The past five years have been challenging,” she said in a statement.
”But within our limited resources we have managed to lay a foundation for the delivery of quality health care and improving the health status of our people.”
Tshabalala-Msimang said her next term would be dominated by the challenge of enhancing the department’s programmes and service delivery.
”Success is dependent on the close relationship and co-operation with all stakeholders and better community involvement in the delivery of services.”
Mbeki announced his new Cabinet earlier on Wednesday and Tshabalala-Msimang was among those ministers who retained their portfolios.
Her re-appointment was met with criticism by opposition parties.
”This is a slap in the face to the approximately seven million HIV/Aids sufferers in South Africa and indicates that government is stubbornly persisting with its failed policies in the health sector, Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon said.
”It is also a red flag to the investor community and to South Africa’s own medical fraternity.”
United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa said that he had hoped for a change in minister.
”The UDM is disappointed that the Minister of Health remains the same; we had expected a change in this vital portfolio,” he said.
The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) has welcomed Tshabalala-Msimang’s re-appointment and pledged to strengthen its relations with her department.
”Our relationship with the national Health Ministry has been fraught with tension and confrontation,” the TAC said.
”This is a chapter in our history that we wish to put behind us. Our work with MECs, health departments at national, provincial, district and facility level can only be strengthened with a commitment to delivery.” – Sapa
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