STATEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS

TATEMENT BY SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE (SANDF) HEADQUARTERS: MEMORANDUM OF COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE AND THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Date: Thursday, 21 August 2008
Embargo: None

The Memorandum of Collaboration signed today, 21 August 2008, between the Department of Defence and the National Department of Health lays the foundation for the two departments to support each other wherever possible and practical in the provision of Health care services.

The memorandum does not, however, open the doors of military hospitals to any and all civilians. In terms of the memorandum the Department of Defence will provide health assistance wherever possible and practical to the National Department of Health, and or the nine Provincial Health Departments, as and when requested.

In turn the National Department of Health will encourage the nine Provincial Health Departments to also make their facilities and specialised equipment available to the Department of Defence for the purpose of training its members and to provide optimum health care to Department of Defence patients.

In addition, the Department of Defence undertakes to liase closely with the National Department of Health before and during the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament in South Africa to ensure optimal health care at the time.

Ends.

Issued by: Defence Corporate Communication
(Defence Media Liaison)
Pretoria

Enquiries: Brigadier General Kwena Mangope
(012) 355 6302 or 072 538 6888