Health Deputy Minister leads stakeholders and experts in discussions of medical device regulations

6 September 2011

In line with the mandate of the Ministry of Health of improving the quality of health care and in pursuit of excellence towards the National Health Insurance, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, will lead close to 400 international and local health technology experts, researchers, academics plus manufactures and distributors of medical devices that are expected to convene at the health technology seminar.

This seminar seeks to ensure safe and high quality use of medical devices at public and private health facilities.

The two day seminar takes place on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 September 2011 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.

Speakers from international organizations such as World Health Organization (WHO), Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF), the Asian Harmonization Working Party (AHWP) and some from established and emerging regulatory authorities like the United Kingdom (UK), Australia and Saudi Arabia will share their country experience.

The seminar comes after the Department of Health recently gazetted Draft Medical Device Regulations for public comment. These regulations are geared towards improving health technology and ultimately bring reforms that are required to implement an effective National Health Insurance that is responsive to the needs of the South African population.

Speaking about the regulations, Dr Ramokgopa said, "For the first time, South Africa will have comprehensive regulations that are meant to improve safety, quality and performance of all medical devices used at health facilities. The sale of unsafe and unregistered medical devices will be prohibited".

The media is therefore invited to cover this Health Technology Seminar which takes place at:

Venue: Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg
Date: 7 and 8 September 2011
Time: 8h00 – 16h30

NB: A media briefing by the Deputy Minister of Health and the seminar speakers is scheduled for 12h00 on Thursday, 8th of September 2011 at Birchwood. Media Reporters are advised to confirm their attendance for the accreditation with Mr Vukani Mnyandu.

Issued by the Deputy Ministry of Health.

For more information, kindly contact: Mr Vukani Mnyandu on 012 395 8475/083 923 0261

Ends

« back