The Honourable National Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi had a successful visit to the Northern Cape Province from 6-8 May 2012. The Honourable Minister was accompanied by the Northern Cape Honourable MEC for Health, Mr Mxolisi Sokatsha and several high ranking national Health Department officials who visited the Pixley-Ka Seme District - De Aar which was identified as one of the National Pilot Districts for the National Health Insurance (NHI) implementation.
The Pixley-Ka Seme NHI Pilot District was the first pilot district to be visited by the Minister. The aim of the national Health Minister’s visit was to assess the progress made so far, evaluate the readiness of facilities and challenges being faced as well as to ensure that the National Health Insurance (NHI) Pilot District is on par in terms of planning and implementation.
The most important part of the visit was the numerous engagements by the national Health Minister and his delegation with strategic stakeholders, partners and structures:
The aim of the engagements was to inform stakeholders on the whole NHI process, the Pilot District Implementation process, their respective roles, responsibilities and assistance in the whole process and also to have question and answer opportunities.
During the media conference on 7 May the SABC and ETV had personal radio and television interviews with the national minister. Throughout the three-day programme numerous community, provincial and national media institutions had telephonic interviews with the National Minister on his visit.
The engagements with the different stakeholders was welcomed and gave the opportunity for one on one interaction with the national ministers through questions and answers in terms of clarity, way forward and total understanding of the whole NHI Process.
The implementation of the NHI is in line with Government’s Ten point Plan for the Health sector as well as the NSDA (National Service Delivery Agreement) to overhaul the entire health system and ensure that the government delivers quality healthcare to all our people. It must be understood that this is a lengthy process and citizens will gradually experience positive changes within the health service delivery sector as they visit health facilities and receive healthcare services.
The Honourable National Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Honourable MEC for Health, Mr Mxolisi Sokatsha was satisfied with the visit and would like to express their sincere gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and participation during the pilot district visit and different engagement sessions. It is only through collective efforts and co-operative governance between stakeholders and partners that the NHI will be successful.
Working together, we can do more!
Enquiries:
Andrid F Scholtz
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: 053 830 2000
Cell: 0824479696 / 0834607570
Fax: 053 8331925
E-mail: ascholtz@ncpg.gov.za
National Health Minister's visit to Northern Cape NHI Pilot District successfull
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