No 'quick fixes' for Hogan

2008-10-02 14:05

Pretoria - The co-existence of the tuberculosis and HIV epidemics, and improving the quality of services, were two of the many challenges facing the health department, newly appointed minister Barbara Hogan said on Thursday.

Briefing the media in Pretoria for the first time since her appointment, Hogan said she could not give a concrete plan on how to address these challenges as she did not believe in "quick fixes and sound bytes".

She was teary eyed when she spoke of the privilege and honour to assist those suffering with HIV Aids.

"My goodness, to be given that privilege to actually help, is a gift that I am really grateful for. Certainly it's disrupted my life, certainly there's heartache about it, there's other things I wanted to do."

Hogan said that she had planned to retire from Parliament and reclaim her personal life, but that the plight of those who suffered compelled her to accept the appointment.

"I think we underestimate the heroism of the people who live with this kind of burden."

Hogan said she was aware of the huge task that faced her department, but that she was confident that it could address the challenges.

Deputy minister

Newly appointed Deputy Minister Molefi Sefularo said he felt Hogan's appointment was correct, despite her not having any formal medical training.

He said many of the problems had to do with the systems in place, management, human resources and finance, and that Hogan's background in economics was ideally suited.

"It's good to have the minister at the helm," he said adding that often medical professionals were drawn into the details of molecules and injections.

Hogan said she felt there was an advantage in not being a health professional, but that her strength was that she was street-wise.

"I don't think you have to be a health professional to know what problems are."

- SAPA