Department of Health.
5 March 2009
The Minister of health, Mrs Barbara Hogan's visit today has brought further
hope for the improvement of the health care system in the Free State.
Minister Hogan interacted with various stakeholders as part of seeking
solutions to the challenges facing the health system in the Free State.
âWe are very fortunate that the Minister and her delegation showed
understanding and support for the challenges we are facing. Our current
position was never a result of any form of incompetence from either province or
national government. We are pleased that the Minister practically assessed the
state of health system in the province and emphasised that there needs to be a
joint effort to come up with tangible intermediate and long term solutions with
the provincial health leaders and managers, provincial and national treasuryâ
said Mr Sakhiwo Belot, MEC for health.
The Minister's visit was not limited to the recent Antiretroviral (ARV)
shortage in the province as she had lengthy productive discussions with the
Provincial Health MEC and Head of Department, Professor Pax Ramela on a range
of issues.
âOur discussions today mainly revolved around the interim financial status
quo and financial projection for the 2009/10 financial year for the Free State
Provincial Health Department. Our discussions also focused on the strategic
initiatives the province can embark on to ensure improved quality health care
servicesâ said Ms Hogan, Minister for health.
From discussions the Minister and MEC had with senior officials of the
department, particularly hospital Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), it became
evident the concerns raised emphasised the need for a strategic collective
effort by all leaders in the sector. It is a fact that their concerns are also
of national concern.
The Minister indicated that part of the key solutions evident today, is that
treasury will be approached for additional funding that will at least address
the burden faced by the province in rolling out ARVs, provision of medicines,
and employment of additional staff in hospitals, amongst others Mr Belot
said.
The Minister also visited health facilities such as the Pelonomi regional
hospital, facilities at the Motheo district services including the Poly clinic
and the HIV clinic and Heidedal maternity. The Minister was joined in her visit
by high ranking officials from her department.
Enquiries:
Elke de Witt
Cell: 083 561 6517
Tel: 051 408 1273
Fax: 051 408 1579
E-mail: dewitte@fshealth.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health, Free State Provincial Government
5 March 2009
