Chair, I have referred the hon member to the relevant legislative provisions which govern not only the public sector but also the private sector and any other institution or member of society. There are also minimum norms and standards in regard to the types of incinerators to be used and how medical waste is to be disposed of. That is quite clearly outlined in the relevant legislative provisions and regulations. The departments of health in provinces are obliged to comply therewith. Thank you.
Particulars regarding departmental records of number of doctors, nurses and paramedics robbed while performing official duties
55. Mrs M C Dikgale (ANC) asked the Minister of Health:
(1) Whether his department has records of the total number of (a) doctors, (b) nurses and (c) paramedics who have been robbed while performing their official duties (i) in health facilities and/or (ii) during their visits to communities; if not, why not; if so, (aa) what is the number of such incidents that were reported in the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12 financial years, (bb) what was the specific nature of such incidents and (cc) in which provinces;
(2) whether his department has put any measures in place to protect health care workers like paramedics who are exposed to incidents of violence outside health facilities; if not, why not; if so, what measures?