Shortage of medics a headache

2005-08-03 15:55

Kulani Mavunda

Nelspruit - The shortage of health professionals in Mpumalanga and the country in general is cause for sleepless nights, says Mpumalanga health MEC Pogisho Pasha.

He said the province remained committed to providing the best health care possible, however, and had established a provincial health council.

"The council will advise me as a member of the executive council on (health-related) issues," he said.

According to a Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) study, between 1990 and 2000, new entrants into the nursing profession decreased by almost 1%.

The study also found more than 18% of nurses registered with the SA Nursing Council were no longer working as nurses.

The exact figures for nurses lost to emigration were not known, but more than 700 were officially recorded as having left the country since 1995.

A 2003 HSRC study found almost 80% of nurses experienced increased workloads, and 60% were dissatisfied with their working environment.

Discussing efficient health care

In Gauteng, the ratio of nurses to the population was 412:100 000. In the Free State it was 419:100 000.

Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern and Eastern Cape had ratios well below the national average of 343:100 000.

MEC Pasha will chair the Mpumalanga health council, which includes 11 other members.

He said the provincial health council would advise him on policy concerning any matter that would protect, promote, improve and maintain the health of the population.

"It is my considered view that this council will help us to accelerate the provision of effective and efficient health care to all our people in the province," he said.

He also would be advised on proposed legislation relating to health matters before the legislation was introduced in the legislature.

The MEC will be advised on norms and standards of establishing health facilities, and implementing national and provincial health policy.

The 11 other members of the provincial health council include health councillors from each of the three district municipalities, as well as members appointed by the MEC.

- African Eye