The South African Human Rights Commission has subpoenaed the head of the Eastern Cape Health Department over what it calls systemic failures in the province’s public healthcare system. The Commission says it has received numerous complaints ranging from crumbling infrastructure and staff shortages to medicine shortages, water disruptions and clinic closures. The inquiry will examine whether these failures are violating people’s constitutional rights to healthcare, dignity and life. Phemelo speaks to SAHRC Eastern Cape provincial head Dr Eileen Carter. Kayafm