Ncayiyana, Daniel J

English

AJOL - African Journals Online

- __----------------------------..'-2-2-5-INTERVIEWFace to face with Cheryl CarolusN ot too long ago, it was generally taken forgranted that if the African National Congressgot into government, Cheryl Carolus wouldwalk into the cabinet portfolio of either health oreducation (cenainly, either would probably have beenhers for the asking). Therefore the news that the capti-vating and highly regarded ANC spokesperson onhealth had chosen not to run for election on either theprovincial or the national list took the country by com-plete surprise. Bur, as she told me somewhat tongue-in-cheek recently, the only government appointmentshe is willing to consider is that of park ranger of TableMountain, a childhood ambition.She talks first about the Medical Association.Flashing her characteristic smile, she complimentsMASA Secretary-General Dr Hendrik Hanekom forbeing 'a very persistent advocate of your organisation',even when - as often happens- 'he and I have talked fromdifferent corners of the boxingring'. She recognises theMASA as a srrong and solidassociation representing a largeproportion of the medicalfraternity. 'There is a need fora vibrant body of civil societyin our country, and we in theANC see a very clear place inthe future for professionalorganisations such as theMASA, among other things toset and maintain standardsthrough peer review.' The nextgovernment will be looking tosuch bodies for advice andcounsel.Emphasising that we are allpan of the same country, shewarmly applauds the fact thatSouth Africans (including theANC) 'have developed thecapacity not only to negotiate,but .to accept that it is OK to have diversitY, and thatdiversity can be good for the country'.Not that she regards the Medical Association with-out reservations. 'Historically,' she observes in anobvious understatement intended to be charitable, 'theMASA has not been counted among the forces forchange and democracy in South Africa.' Even now,she continues, the top echelons of the M..!\SA areheavily white-male dominated. Where are the femalemembers of the Association? The past can be putbehind us; but as we look to the future, it is urgentlynecessary for the MASA ('and the SAMDC for thatmaner', she adds) to find ways to democratise them-selves, and 'to cultivate a culture of change in relationto gender, race and geography' (urban/rural).Turning to the ANC National Health Plan (NHP),Cheryl says 'I am pleased that the MASA has chosento take this document seriously. I must also compli-ment the MASA for drawing up its own health careproposals. Commining oneself in this manner requirescourage, because it puts one on the line.' The NHP isnot cast in stone, she intimates. It continues to be inthe,public domain for public debate, and the MASAcan still provide valuable input. Indeed, a 'no-holds-barred' meeting has already been set up benveen theMASA and the ANC for this very purpose.The ANC sees health planning as an integral pan ofan overall national strategy that includes the provisionof shelter, employment, electricity, food and cleanwater. The NHP needs to be read together withanother document, the Reconstruction and Develop-ment Programme or RDP, which describes the ANC'sstrategy for human upliftment, because 'most deaths inSouth Africa cannot be reversed by medicines and pre-scriptions'. The ANC is currently taking a lot of criti-cism in respect of both the NHP and the RDP, 'butthen again, we're the only political organisation to putspecific plans on the table. We can expect to be criti-cised. Indeed, we are actively soliciting criticism,because we don't want an ANC plan, we want a planfor South Africa.'She asserts that the currenthigh cost of national investmentin health is not matched by anequivalent output in terms ofthe health of the nation. 'I amproud that I am a SouthAfrican,' she beams, 'and thatwe pioneered hean transplanta-tion in this country. But I alsohang my head in shame thatour immunisation programmesare in a shambles. We have asophisticated capacity in medi-cal technology, but we have asyet been unable to effectivelyaddress the health problems ofdeprivation.' As an example,she cites the prevalence of TBin the Western Cape, said to bethe highest in the world.The ANC is not negativetowards hi-tech research, andwill continue to support it aslong as it is directed at solvingthe health problems of thecommunity. She cites with approval the DNA researchat Tygerberg Hospital, which is aimed at unlocking themysteries of the tubercle bacillus. She speaks enthu-siastically about academic medicine, and says 'Wedon't want to ruin the capacity we have at academiclevel. In" fact, we need to increase it.' However, medi-cal training based solely at the academic centres, andwhich does not expose the trainee to deprived settings,is both inappropriate and unacceptable. Under anANC government, there will be a shift of resourcestowards primary health care. As a result, there willthen also be a shift in referral panerns, so that primarycare needs are not provided at expensive tertiary carefacilities. The overall effect should therefore be a redis-tribution rather than a reduction of tertiary resources.This redistribution must be carefully worked out, inclose consultation with those working at the coalface,so that we do not compromise standards or delivery.The conversation comes to an end and, as sheleaves, I can't help thinking how much more secure Iwould feel as a Capetonian, knowing that she were incharge of Table Mountain.DANIEL]. NCAYIYANA

Face to face with Cheryl Carolus

https://www.ajol.info/index.php/samj/article/download/148604/138106

Face to face with Cheryl Carolus

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

AJOL - African Journals Online