The Department of Health has moved a step closer to the establishment of the Office of Health Standards Compliance with the release today of the National Health Amendment Bill for public comments. The Bill proposes an amendment of the existing National Health Act through the establishment of the Office of Health Standards Compliance.
The establishment of the Office of Standards Compliance follows government’s commitment to improve the quality of healthcare in public health facilities and the strengthening of health systems effectiveness through enhanced accountability.
The Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has expressed his disappointment with the level of healthcare in many of the country’s public hospitals and through his performance agreement with the President has committed himself and his department to improving this situation. Thus far, a set of six (6) quality priorities for fast-tracking improvement have been identified. These include Safety and Security; Long waiting times; Drug availability; Nursing attitude; Infection prevention and control; and Values of staff.
Once established, the Office of Health Standards Compliance will ensure that complaints received from healthcare users or the public (patients and families) are properly and independently investigated. The office will also advise the Minister of Health on the development of standards, norms and quality management systems for the national health system; inspect and certify health establishments as compliant with prescribed norms and standards; and monitor indicators of risk as an early warning system relating to breaches of standards.
In terms of organisational design, the Bill proposes that the Office be headed by a qualified Executive Director and supported by competent personnel including health Officers (Inspectors) who may enter any premises (health premises) to inspect compliance with the Standards.
The Office of Standards Compliance will also pave the way for the implementation of the National Health Insurance as the provision of quality care will be one of the core requirements for the NHI.
Members of the public are invited to comment on the proposed establishment of the Office of Health Standards Compliance as part of exercising their right in formulating legislation. The draft Bill is available on the Department of Health website: www.doh.gov.za.
For more information please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Tel: 012 395 8493
Cell: 079 517 3333
