Dr Marcus Mumakwe'€™s wedding is giving the superintendent of Jane Furse Hospital a headache. Mumakwe wants two weeks'€™ leave but as he is one of only four doctors at a hospital that should have 13, this is a difficult request.
Although too early to accurately determine, medical schemes are reporting a positive response to the newly promulgated Medical Schemes Act, which allows people to join schemes without being penalised on the basis of age or health status.
At the level of words and policies South Africa'€™s health system is broadly on track towards a more effective and equitable service, but implementation and delivery still have a long way to go.
Ever since provinces were given the power to allocate their own budgets, provincial health departments have been battling to get enough funds. Three health economists propose that central government establishes national norms and standards for health services to ensure that provinces allocate enough money to health.
Despite the HIV/AIDS epidemic, government has cut health spending over the past year and it will spend even less per capita next year. "Add to this the pressure of HIV/AIDS and it becomes clear that we have more difficulties ahead of us," Tshabalala-Msimang told the first-ever consultative meeting between herself, health MECs, MPs and MPLs dealing with health matters.
Health workers urge patients of Tshwane’s Dilopye Clinic to put complaints in writing as community members continue to complain about poor care at doctor’s hands.
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