Question NW2228 to the Minister of Health

Share this page:

05 October 2018 - NW2228

Profile picture: Brauteseth, Mr TJ

Brauteseth, Mr TJ to ask the Minister of Health

(1)Whether his department and/or the KwaZulu-Natal department of health were involved in the arrangements to perform circumcisions on male learners at the Celimfundo Primary School in Khetani in Winterton during June 2018; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) was permission to perform the circumcision obtained from both parents and/or guardians of each learner before the operation was performed; if not, in each case, on what basis were the circumcisions performed without obtaining permission; if so, were both parents and/or guardians requested to be present before, during and/or after the operations were performed; (3) (a) where was each operation performed, (b) by whom was each operation performed, (c) what criteria were used to determine which learners should be circumcised and (d) what are the details of any counselling given to each learner before and after the operations; (4) whether any follow-up visitations were conducted to any of the learners after the operations were performed; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details of the follow-up visits, (b) what number of follow-up visits were conducted, (c) which learners were visited and (d) who conducted the follow-up visits; (5) whether any of the specified learners required further medical treatment after the operations were performed; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. There were two (2) Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) camps in June 2018, one was on the 8th and the other was on the 15th of June 2018. The Department was involved in the 8th of June camp;

2. For the camp held on the 8th of June 2018 consent forms for all boys who were circumcised were signed by parents and or guardians;

3. (a) Khethani and Potshini Community Halls;

(b) Dr Azion;

(c) Boys above ten (10) years of age with permission/consent from parents/guardians;

(d) Details given to each learner before and after the operation are:

  1. Explanation of the procedure;
  2. Advantages of circumcision;
  3. HIV counselling and testing;
  4. Counselling on danger signs and to come to hospital immediately post operatively;
  5. Waiting period before any sexual contact; and
  6. Wound care schedule to be followed.

4. Yes, Follow up visits were conducted by the Departmental MMC Team.

(a) Details provided with regards to follow-up visits:

  1. Routine assessment of the operation site;
  2. Care and advice as indicated.

(b) Number of follow-up visits conducted:

(i) First visit was conducted forty-eight (48) hours after operation;

(ii) Second and third visits could not be conducted as the school was closing and the learners were advised to go the nearest clinics.

(c) A total of 15 learners were visited but I cannot give their names without their permission.

(d) Emmaus hospital MMC roving team.

5. No learners were found to be in need of further medical management.

END.

Source file