Budget Vote Speech on Health by Florence Batyi, MP and Health Spokesperson
2004-06-22. I would like to congratulate the Minister on her second term appointment to the Ministry and wish her well.
The ID supports the provision of affordable medicines but we are
concerned about the manner in which the new Medicines and Related
Substances Act has been introduced. Related to the cost issue is the
affordability of anti retro-virals as this could impact on a number of
people having access to drugs.
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While the anti retroviral programme is far advanced in the Western Cape, the slow pace of roll out in other provinces in cause for concern.
The resignation of key personnel in the HIV Directorate is cause for concern as their needs to be continuity in terms of policy implementation.
The Department needs to monitor medical aid schemes as fees have escalated but coverage of benefits remains the same resulting in ever increasing private health care costs but accompanied increase in service levels not materialising.
Of major concern to the ID is the apparent delay of funds allocated to Health Department / Treasury by the Global Fund to fight HIV to Love-life. The alleged bottlenecks is dampening / impeding roll out While concerns around double dipping i.e. receiving funds from government and donors must be monitored, quick release of funds is essential for speedy roll out of drugs.
We would like to put the issue of mental health on the agenda as an ever increasing percentage of South Africans are suffering from men tal related illnesses. Capacity at provincial and local district level to handle such cases are insufficient.
Furthermore the question of registration of traditional healers is important to bring them into the formal system thereby recognising their role, practices and services offered to a large section of the population excluded by the formal health system.
The ID notes with concern the continued poaching of experienced medical staff by developed countries. Poor remuneration for state doctors, unsatisfactory working conditions (long hours) and lack of career pathing all contribute to doctors and nurses leaving South Africa for UK and Middle East in particular. While we are recruiting Cuban doctors to make up shortfalls especially in rural areas we need to review the in service training for doctors and service conditions.
The policy issues facing the Department is complex and difficult and I encourage the Ministry to continue engagement with health NGO's and the donor community.
I thank you
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While the anti retroviral programme is far advanced in the Western Cape, the slow pace of roll out in other provinces in cause for concern.
The resignation of key personnel in the HIV Directorate is cause for concern as their needs to be continuity in terms of policy implementation.
The Department needs to monitor medical aid schemes as fees have escalated but coverage of benefits remains the same resulting in ever increasing private health care costs but accompanied increase in service levels not materialising.
Of major concern to the ID is the apparent delay of funds allocated to Health Department / Treasury by the Global Fund to fight HIV to Love-life. The alleged bottlenecks is dampening / impeding roll out While concerns around double dipping i.e. receiving funds from government and donors must be monitored, quick release of funds is essential for speedy roll out of drugs.
We would like to put the issue of mental health on the agenda as an ever increasing percentage of South Africans are suffering from men tal related illnesses. Capacity at provincial and local district level to handle such cases are insufficient.
Furthermore the question of registration of traditional healers is important to bring them into the formal system thereby recognising their role, practices and services offered to a large section of the population excluded by the formal health system.
The ID notes with concern the continued poaching of experienced medical staff by developed countries. Poor remuneration for state doctors, unsatisfactory working conditions (long hours) and lack of career pathing all contribute to doctors and nurses leaving South Africa for UK and Middle East in particular. While we are recruiting Cuban doctors to make up shortfalls especially in rural areas we need to review the in service training for doctors and service conditions.
The policy issues facing the Department is complex and difficult and I encourage the Ministry to continue engagement with health NGO's and the donor community.
I thank you
