RAF 'trauma' exclusion slammed
2003-11-03 11:15
Cape Town - The South African Society of Psychiatrists (Sasop) has criticised proposed changes to the Road Accident Fund Act that will halt payouts to people traumatised by witnessing, although not actually involved in, a traffic accident.
In a joint statement on Monday with the SA Depression and Anxiety Group, the two organisations labelled the planned amendments irresponsible, and warned they could well be unconstitutional.
"As South Africans were still reeling after four horrific recent accidents involving trucks, buses and pedestrians, proposed changes to the Act would mean the Road Accident Fund (RAF) would not be liable for claims for emotional trauma suffered by anyone not directly involved in an accident."
"The proposed amendments are irresponsible, and it... may even be unconstitutional to exclude patients who suffer emotional trauma or shock from benefits offered by the RAF."
The statement said it was common for people, especially women and children, who had witnessed serious road accidents, to suffer severe emotional shock and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which required extensive and costly treatment and therapy.
The draft Road Accident Fund Amendment Bill was examined last week by the National Assembly's transport committee, which held public hearings on the measure.
- SAPA