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University of the Western Cape
FACULTY OF
DENTISTRY
ORAL HEALTH CENTRE
ORAL HEALTH
COMMITTEE
2 FEBRUARY 1995
The
Water Fluoridation Sub-Committee of the Oral Health Committee, set up by the
Minister of Health to formulate a plan to improve
the oral health of the
citizens of South Africa, would like to make a recommendation on health for the
new constitution. We are.
concerned that there is very little reference to
health and the citizens right to health in the interim constitution and hope
that
this will be, rectified in the new constitution
We. are concerned
that the reference. to the rights of the individual in chapter three., of the
interim constitution may jeopardise
the implementation of legitimate- government
policies to advance common good eg. the implementation of water fluoridation to
reduce
the incidence :)f tooth decay. Fluoridation has been proven to reduce
the incidence tooth decay by about 50%. It is the most effective way to
prevent tooth decay in a community, irrespective of arc. class, ','gender, ago
or educational
level.
In terms of section 26(2), the right to freedom of
economic activity, the important consideration of "Public health" and
''environment"
has not been mentioned as those issues to be taken into
consideration under this clause. We suggest that "public good" be given
priority in relation to rights mom generally.
For a more detailed
motivation fur these changes, we invite. You to contact me at Ph('no no. (011)
407 8659 or fax (011) 339 2044.
Yours sincerely
Gonda
PCM
Chairperson, Fluoridation Sub-committee,
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