Documents & Resources

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.