The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Health Technology (MAC-HT) is having its first meeting in Civitas Building, Tshwane.
This MAC-HT has been established by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, in terms of the National Health Act 61 of 2003, section 91. Its term of appointment is five years.
The MACH-HT is a committee of experts whose main task is to enable the Minister and department to deliver on the 2009 to 2014 mandate of the health sector. This mandate is what guides us in our work, namely to deliver on the four main outputs of the Health Sector Negotiated Service Delivery Agreement (NSDA), which are:
- Increasing life expectancy at birth
- Reducing maternal and child mortality rates
- Combating HIV and AIDS and TB
- Strengthening the effectiveness of health systems
Key to achieving these outputs is the ability of the health sector to make use of available health technology.
The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Health Technology will research, consider and advise on all matters related to planning and management of Health Technology. It will advise the Ministry on health technology norms, standards and guidelines plus planning and management structures relevant to the public and private sector.
The urgent and key priority for the Committee is to advise on Health Technology Planning, which includes consulting on and finalising the Essential Equipment List (EEL).
Composition of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Health Technology
The committee is made up of members from:
- Relevant research bodies such as the Medical Research Council (MRC)
- Academic Institutions such as the College of Medicine, University of Limpopo, University of Cape Town, the University of Stellenbosch and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Provincial and National Departments of Health
- The private sector
- Healthcare funders
- International experts, including the World Health Organisation (WHO)
The following are members of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Health Technology:
- Advocate Block (Medico-legal),
- Dr E Bunn (Medical Research Council),
- Dr M Gantso (Clinician, CMS),
- Mr B Goemans (Bioengineer),
- Ms L Hanmer (Telemedicine),
- Mr B Khalaf (TUT)
- Mr J Molete (CSIR),
- Mr R Mothibi (Information Communication Technology, Telemedicine),
- Prof C Scheffer (Engineer),
- Dr M Tsitsi (Clinician),
- Dr Khanyile (Clinician),
- Dr DH Zokufa (Board of Healthcare Funders),
- Dr ME Klinick (Medico-legal),
- Professor M Mars (Clinician),
- Dr Bomela (Clinician, South African Medical Association),
- Prof A Reddie (College of Medicine),
- Ms A Valazquez (WHO),
- Mr M Polluta (Bioengineer),
- Mr N Ndlovu (Medical Physicist, Provincial Department of Health),
- Dr K Mbulawa (Clinician, Human Resources, Provincial Department of Health),
- Dr S Ngozo (Clinician, Provincial Department of Health).
In addition, the Essential Equipment List (EEL) has been drafted. It still has to be finalised after consultations. It will assist the Department of Health with health technology planning, budgeting, acquisition, maintenance and disposal.
The National Health Council (NHC) has approved the National Health Technology Strategy which will be launched shortly. This strategy serves as the basis for engagement with the Health Technology Industry and sector.
The implementation of this strategy and plans, with inputs of this committee, will ensure that appropriate, efficient and safe medical devices, equipment and technology is available.
Enquiries:
Bhungani Mzolo
Tel: 012 395 8479
Cell: 071 600 8927
Source: Department of Health
