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CONFERENCES PRIVATE HOSPITAL REVIEW 2009 NEWSLETTER RESEARCH

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A breath of fresh ideas...

09 October 2008

In Categories: Medico Legal > General , Medico Legal , Industry News

New Minister of Health Barbara Hogan and her deputy Dr Molefi Sefularo are a breath of fresh air and a healthy rejuvenation of the healthcare sector. Hogan brings in a consumer-based approach and a financial background to an otherwise underspending department. Sefularo has been at the coalface of healthcare delivery for the past 10 years as MEC for health in North West.

Healthy new start

Is Hogan the right person for the job?

Yes. She has chaired the parliamentary finance committee, which is great given that the national health insurance plan is in the pipeline. But let's be realistic and not expect too much. There's no indication that her stay will be long term, and you can't solve all the problems in six months. She's inheriting a huge department and her job ranges from delivering pills to ordinary people to working with the private sector.

If this is an interim arrangement, why does it matter so much?

In laying the foundation, she should focus on the shortage of skills, the migration of health-care professionals and capacity constraints.

What about the removal of Manto Tshabalala-Msimang?

It's no secret that the private sector and the former minister have differed much on a range of issues including access, affordability, nurse training and other problems. We couldn't bridge the divide.

Was she a stumbling block?

There were differences in opinion that in our view inhibited innovation. In some aspects we were successful in bringing the health department around to our point of view, in others we weren't. Some opportunities were missed but we can now start engaging.

Wasn't your sector disrespectful to Tshabalala-Msimang by bypassing her and instead going to Luthuli House?

We did everything according to protocol. We approached the minister first, but not much was achieved. It's unfortunate that some solutions didn't see the light of day.

Do you have to start from scratch now?

No. We've approached the party and the portfolio committee and believe there is some momentum.

The implications for the private health-care industry?

Hogan's comments underline the need for dialogue. She speaks of synergies between sectors, and this is welcome. There's a wealth of expertise and goodwill in corporate SA she can make use of.

What should her priorities be?

The legislative impediments haven't been addressed, the health-care charter is not finalised and she has human resources to look into.

Lucas Malambe is Hasa's Executive Officer, Corporate Communications educated at the universities of the North and Witwatersrand. Malambe has a postgraduate qualification in Business Management and Economics from the University of Johannesburg where he is finishing his Masters in Commerce (Business Management).

He is also the editor of the prestigious research-driven publications Health Annals and the monthly Hasa News.

He has seven years experience in public communications having worked for DRUM magazine as a health journalist, sub-editor, and columnist. Lucas also worked for Lifeline Southern Africa interfacing with the organisation's various publics. At this time he contributed regularly to publications such as Business Day's Health Supplement and Mshana as a health correspondent and health-advice columnist respectively.

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Hasa Awards of Excellence: Call for Nominations

13 July 2010

The annual Hasa Awards of Excellence are part of the Ministerial Healthcare Awards. This year's theme is Quality is Excellence. The process to find the best of the best in the private hospital industry is nearing its end. The Health Excellence Awards 2010 will take place in November 2010 and the deadline date for submission of entries is 07 October 2010.

LegalWatchJune02,68

15 June 2010

The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 (as amended). How does it affect healthcare?

Several outstanding provisions of the Children’s Act [Act 38 of 2005] have become operational. The relevant Government Gazette has made the date upon which the law became operational as being 01 April 2010.

LegalWATCH June01,67

02 June 2010

HASA LEGALWatch:June01

Update on Sections 55 and 56 of the National Health Act, 2003 relating to the
removal of blood or other tissue, together with section 68 which
permits the Minister of Health to make regulations relating to tissue,
cells, organs, blood, blood products and gametes, has been
promulgated. (In other words, has become law, as of the 17th of May
2010). Download The June 01 LegalWatch:

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