Programme Director,
Members of the Provincial Health Council,
Distinguished guests and delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dumelang Bagaetsho!
It is my distinguished honour to welcome all of you here and offer a few remarks in this important meeting of the Provincial Health Council.
We have a Constitutional obligation to provide quality health care services to all our people. This body, the Provincial Health Council is a legislated body established to ensure the fulfilment our constitutional obligation. The National Health Act has further strengthened the existence of this body and afforded with the necessary powers to execute its responsibilities.
We are in a process of transforming the health sector and the health council is one of the critical organs in this process. The critical role that this council has played since its formation is now more vital than ever before. At the centre of the health sector transformation is the urgent need to prepare for the introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI). The African National Congress (ANC) has at its National General Council (NGC) held recently in Durban resolved conclusively for the introduction of the NHI by 2012.
What the latest development means to the health council is that we must start preparing and involving all the stakeholders in this landmark process. Crucial in this regard is the importance of educating our communities about the NHI and how it is going to benefit all.
There is no turning back. It is important that, as we move forward, the Provincial Health Council enables us to move as a united force in our endeavour to strengthen our health system keeping in mind the principles of equity, accessibility and quality health services.
Strengthening our health system means preparing ourselves to better fight, prevent, cure diseases and improving the health profile of our nation and province. As a province we have a responsibility to contribute meaningfully towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). We cannot afford to fail our country and the world.
This province has always been a leader.Let us continue to lead the way in promoting healthy lifestyles for our people as well as striving to provide decent and affordable health care services for all our communities in the province.
I wish this Provincial Health Council meeting to achieve its objective.
I thank you very much.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958 /078 170 0037
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
