Documents & Resources

Let’s Work Together

13 January 2009

In Categories: Medico Legal > General , Economic , Medico Legal

As South Africa approaches a new phase in its history, let us commit as public and private health care to working together. Let us in unity address the endemic challenges facing health care service delivery within the Republic. More importantly, let us come together to find innovative solutions within a mutually defined mandate of improved access and service delivery.

To this end the private sector as a diverse grouping of stakeholders is also called to work together. Ultimately and somewhat ironically the measure of our success will be determined, in my opinion, not on our individual contributions, but on our combined efforts to address the health care needs of our country, which at times may also include our neighbours. Whilst we may have some significant differences of opinion on a wide variety of matters, we must ensure that these differences exist within a broader health care dialogue and process of engagement. More specifically we should not allow these differences to fragment us to the point that innovation, creativity and good will are diminished. By all means disagree, debate and challenge, but do so in a constructive manner founded in the pursuit of solutions and innovation.

The challenges are complex and varied, of this there is little doubt. We are, however, a nation of entrepreneurs with a history that reveals our extraordinary ability to excel. We can be dynamic, innovative, but more importantly we can be determined. It is this drive which makes things possible. Let us commit to addressing the following as matters of priority:

(1) The development and retention of health care personnel.
(2) The partnering of efforts, and where possible resources to ensure effective, quality health care service delivery.
(3) The improvement of health care establishments where needed, and with specific reference to the Millennium Goals.
(4) The progressive realisation of access to health care services as enshrined within the Constitution of the Republic.

Whilst these may seem lofty there are numerous studies and policies which have been formulated and discussed, and which are primarily directed against achieving these goals. These need to be implemented, whilst constantly working towards new ideas and approaches within an ever changing environment. The significant good will that exists amongst stakeholders, including those outside of the health care sector such as business, civil society and labour, is all evidence of our genuine desire to achieve better outcomes and improved success.

As we begin 2009, our deepest thanks to all the health care workers, doctors and nurses working within the public and private sector for the commitment, dedication and service you have shown in 2008 to those in need. To the hospital managers and administrators, often working in the periphery of health care service delivery, we extend equal thanks. Your services are as important to the delivery of health care as any other, and as such are acknowledged and commended. To the medical schemes, their employees, trustees and other personnel, we extend our gratitude for providing an important component to our health care sector. To the suppliers of product, and all others involved in the health care sector and which for the sake of brevity cannot be named individually, a sincere thanks for all you have done within the partnership that is health. To our patients we extend both our thanks and our wishes for a year of good health.

May you have a wonderful year both personally and professionally. May you be safe, good natured and happy.

On a more personal note:

To the members, Board of Directors and staff of HASA my thanks for yet another year of support. Your personal dedication, commitment and contributions to HASA are of immeasurable benefit and often over and above your own work demands.

To Norman Weltman my ex Chairman, colleague and dare I say friend, may your retirement be one of immense happiness. Thank you for having supported me in my own career path, for your constant willingness to impart wisdom where such was needed, and having been available at all times when needed. I know that you will be missed. To my current Chairperson Dr. N. Matlala my sincere thanks for your support, willingness to help at HASA and pragmatic advice on all matters. To my family, thank you for supporting me this year, especially during those times when long hours and work commitments meant that I had to be away.

Happy New Year.