The Ministry and Department of Health Western Cape have become aware of a rumour to the effect that medicines and treatment will not be offered at certain Health facilities in months to come. The origin of the rumour is not known, but it is totally without foundation and is emphatically rejected. Medicines and treatment will continue to be provided at all Health Western Cape hospitals and primary-care facilities.

The ever-increasing health burden continues to place immense pressure on Health's financial resources. Health has been open and transparent about this and will continue to be so. The people are entitled to know what they can expect in terms of health services.

Health Western Cape is justifiably proud of what health workers are achieving under tough circumstances. Mischievous and unfounded rumours serve only to demotivate and confuse health workers as well as the public.

Mr P Meyer
MEC for Health in the Western Cape