The national workshop on the state of readiness of health and medical services for the FIFA World Cup recommended in Pretoria this afternoon that for South Africa to host a successful soccer tournament all boundaries including bureaucracy and red tape be dissolved for the duration of the event.
Deputy Minister of Health Dr Molefi Sefularo, South African Military Health Services (SAMHS) Sergeant General Dr V Ramlakan and Local Organising Committee (LOC) Dr Victor Ramatheselle, as well as World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative Dr Stella Anyangwe, who attended the workshop, supported the resolution to suspend and set aside such restrains as they may compromise provision of comprehensive health and medical care.
Dr Sefularo said that the workshop was successful in that it identified challenges and gaps needing fine-tuning, as well as the need for a task team to unlock the blockages. After a discussion with the Deputy President of the country, the Deputy Minister will appoint a task team and announce their names by the end of the month to ease the movement of services and resources.
The Deputy Minister said that he could confidently announce that the South African Department of Health in partnership with SAMHS, private sector and other stakeholders was on track.
"We are happy about progress made in provinces in terms of readiness. Gaps have been identified and a plan with timelines has been developed. Integration of resources with South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) has closed most of the gaps identified. A contingency plan for hospitals will be finalised by the end of March. Boundaries among spheres of government will be set aside to ensure easy movement of resources across the country at any given time," Dr Sefularo, said.
Sergeant General Dr Ramlakan said referring to the workshop, "This has been a long journey and productive two days. We are indeed ready and have set high standards for ourselves. Yes, there is still fine tuning that is going to require rigorous work but we are confident that this fine tuning will be completed in time for the World Cup."
World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative Dr Stella Anyangwe said that the world cup was a global event and that everyone including the United Nations agencies wanted South Africa to succeed. She encouraged government to make use of their technical assistance including training, preparing documents and ensuring safe water and proper sanitation. She added that the WHO offices in Brazzaville and Geneva were ready to offer their support and urged government to submit the list of their needs.
LOC Dr Victor Ramatheselle, said, "I can confidently and boldly say that we are ready to provide health and medical services of world standards and more. After this two-day gathering we know what needs to be done moving forward. As LOC and partner, we are ready and willing to assist."
Enquiries:
Charity Bhengu
Cell: 083 679 7424
Issued by: Department of Health
9 February 2010
Source: Department of Health (http://www.doh.gov.za/)
