11 February 2008
The Minister of Health visited the Mpumalanga province following reports of challenges in the delivery of health services in the province
We had an open discussion about the challenges facing the provincial Department of Health and agreed on the short, medium and long-term solutions to these challenges.
A human resource management team from the national Department of Health is to come to Mpumalanga next week to assist in finalizing the organogram for the provincial Department as a matter of urgency.
For this organogram to be effective, it needs to be appropriately staffed and we have therefore agreed that all funded vacant posts need to be filled within the next six months. Facilities should be involved in the process of filling of these posts.
Over-centralization of authority over financial and human resource was identified as a major factor hampering the effective functioning of the Department. The process of delegation of appropriate financial and human resources to the low and middle-management and hospital management should commence immediately.
The provincial Department is also expected to pay all outstanding overtime payments and settle all accounts for supplies and services rendered to the Department within 30 days.
The issue of the shortage of health professionals in the province was discussed in detail. As part of urgent short-term interventions, a request has been made to the SA Military Health Service to provide relief to the province in terms of provision of specialists and doctors.
Efforts will be made to fast-track the immigration process for Tunisian doctors that have been appointed to work in Mpumalanga.
We are committed as the national Department of Health to provide support to provinces so that we move together as a country in improving the health of our population.
Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang
Minister of Health