Khama behind medical cover policy � PAC
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday June 14, 2017 17:21
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Selebi-Phikwe West, Dithapelo Keorapetse and also a member of PAC, revealed this at the ongoing PAC.
Keorapetse asked the Ministry’s permanent secretary, Shenaz El-Halabi if she has ever heard, or learnt about a pronouncement by Khama when delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) that self-inflicted harm related conditions will be paid for by patients and not the government.
“Does this mean that Khama is the source of the decision? Were you advised that it is legal and within your powers in terms of the Constitution, the Public Health Act and its regulations as well as international humanitarian law and standards to issue the decision contained in the Savigram?” Keorapetse asked.
He questioned El-Halabi if she agreed that the Savingram was oppressive and a gratuitous violation of the rights of patients with no legal basis.
Sharing the same sentiments, another PAC member, Specially Elected MP Bogolo Kenewendo wanted to know what motivated the idea and the percentage of funds that was used in self-inflicted harm in the past.
El-Halabi, who appeared to have been in a tight corner, struggled to account for the process that was followed to reach a decision contained in the Savingram No. MH9/43 dated March 29, 2017 that was addressed to all District Health Management Team (DHMT) heads.
El-Halabi could only say that the Savigram was suspended following the feedback it got, stating the possibility that the Savingram might come in a different form, or not come at all, as it was still being discussed.
“I did not attend the SONA, and I have never heard President Khama saying anything regarding the policy, but I watched it on television. To some extent I learnt about it, “ El-Halabi said cryptically.
Following further interrogation by PAC members, who wanted to know the position of Cabinet on the policy, El-Halabi ended up stating that it was a directive from Cabinet, but initiated by the ministry.
She stated that consultative process took place and that there was a legal advice on the matter before reaching the decision.
“I do not have the percentage of funds that have been used on self-inflicted harm patients, but they will be provided with service even though ways of providing those services will be retrieved,” said El-Halabi.
Keorapetse warned El-Halabi not to ever think of coming up with the Savingram again because she does not have the powers according to the Constitution.
“A word of advice: just forget about it because you do not have the powers. It is simply illegal and a violation of patients’ human rights,” Keorapetse said. The Savingram was titled, ‘Removal from medical cover for self-inflicted harm’ addressed to the DHMT heads.