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Phaahla reassures healthcare workers things will improve as NHI becomes law
Phaahla reassures healthcare workers things will improve as NHI becomes law
Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, has urged healthcare workers not to be swayed by fearmongers pushing for emigration from South Africa due to the National Health Insurance (NHI).
“Don’t listen to doomsayers and the scaremongers who are telling you that things are going to collapse and [you] must leave now that the President has [signed the Bill], [and you must] find the first flight [out of the country]. Stay here. Things are going to get better.
“This is our only country. We’re going to make sure that what we have achieved in the last 30 years can only get better and not worse,” Phaahla told medical professionals.
Phaahla was speaking at the signing of the NHI Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
He urged all citizens to collaborate with government and be part of the solutions to achieve a fair, just, and sustainable health system that caters to the health needs of all citizens, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.
According to the Minister, inequities that characterise South Africa’s health system are unjustifiable and require fundamental overhauling to ensure equity and sustainability.
“Families have faced agonising decisions, having to choose between necessities and necessary medical care.
“This reality does not align with the vision we hold for South Africa, where every citizen should enjoy their life to the fullest potential,” said the Minister.
Phaahla described the signing of the Bill as a historic milestone, which paves the way for government to forge ahead with universal health coverage (UHC).
WATCH |
The Minister is of the view that the law was not just a policy but also a promise.
“This is a promise of a better, healthier future for every South African, affirming that the long wait has indeed been worth it.”
This new law, according to Phaahla, is derived from the National Development Plan (NDP) and will usher in free comprehensive healthcare services at the point of use.
“Thank you very much Mr President for convening us here at the citadel of power [the Union Buildings] in our country after you found the most valued pen in the history of South Africa. I’m sure it’s going to be kept in the museum,” the Minister quipped.
READ | Somebody give me a pen! - President
Phaahla told the attendees that the vision dates as far back as 1942 under the leadership of ANC President Dr AB Xuma.
“Even at that time, they already had an outline of the type of NHI that South Africa must adopt. One of the clauses of the document called for ‘the establishment of free medical and health services for all sections of the population’,” he explained.
He also quoted another clause, which called for a “drastic overhauling of the health services of the country, with an emphasis on preventive medicine”.
“We are happy that after many years of policy discussions and five years of the NHI Bill in Parliament, the National Health Insurance has now reached the starting line,” he said.
Phaahla stated that the department will now begin implementation and create mechanisms for the use of resources available to the NHI Fund to meet the health needs of the population.
“We stand resolute and remain committed to realising a health system that ensures our people enjoy healthy and productive lives, spurred on to achieve their full potential in a more equitable South Africa.”
He believes that the signing of the Bill will add impetus to other efforts to close the inequality gap in the country.
Phaahla stated that with the Bill becoming an Act of Parliament, it would facilitate the establishment of crucial institutional and organisational structures of the NHI Fund, along with its governance arrangements.
“However, it is important for the public to note that the provisions of the NHI Act will be implemented in phases. Our intention has always been to have a rational, structured and phased approach implementation.”
Special Report | National Health Insurance: All you need to know
The Constitution empowers the President to set different dates for the effectiveness of various provisions within the Act.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa described the public signing of the NHI Bill into law as a pivotal moment and a milestone in South Africa’s ongoing quest for a more just society.
The Head of State strongly believes that financial hurdles facing the NHI can be navigated with careful planning, strategic resource allocation and a steadfast commitment to achieving equity.
The President also explained that the NHI Fund will procure services from public and private service providers to ensure all South Africans have access to quality healthcare. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 05/16/2024 - 13:18
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President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the importance of the National Health Insurance (NHI) in providing equal access to healthcare services and addressing inequalities.
This, as he signed the NHI Bill into law on Wednesday.
“[The Bill] is also about efficiency and quality. The provision of healthcare in this country is currently fragmented, unsustainable and unacceptable,” President Ramaphosa said, adding that he finally "found his pen" to sign the long-awaited Bill.
READ | Somebody give me a pen! - President
At its core, the country’s leader stated that health insurance is a commitment to eliminating the longstanding, severe disparities in healthcare access.
“The NHI is an important instrument to tackle poverty. The rising cost of health care makes families poorer. By contrast, healthcare provided through the NHI frees up resources in poor families for other essential needs.”
He believes that the NHI will make healthcare in the country more affordable.
“The way healthcare services will be paid for is meant to contain comprehensive healthcare costs and to ensure the available resources are more efficiently used.”
President Ramaphosa described the public signing of the NHI Bill into law as a pivotal moment and a milestone in South Africa’s ongoing quest for a more just society.
WATCH | President Cyril Ramaphosa signs into law the National Health Insurance Bill
The President said the public sector serves most of the population but faces budget constraints. In contrast, he said the private sector serves a fraction of society at a far higher cost without a proportional improvement in health outcomes.
He believes that tackling the imbalance requires a radical “reimagining” of resource allocation.
Meanwhile, he said the challenge in implementing the NHI lies not in the lack of funds, but in the misallocation of resources that currently favours the private health sector at the expense of public health needs.
He is of the view that the NHI Bill presents an innovative approach to funding universal healthcare based on social solidarity.
This, he said, proposes a comprehensive strategy that combines various financial resources, including both additional funding and reallocating funds already in the health system.
Special Report | National Health Insurance: All you need to know
The Head of State strongly believes that financial hurdles facing the NHI can be navigated with careful planning, strategic resource allocation and a steadfast commitment to achieving equity.
He also explained that the NHI Fund will procure services from public and private service providers to ensure all South Africans have access to quality healthcare.
In addition, he said that health insurance ensures that both the public and private sectors complement and reinforce each other.
“The effective implementation of the NHI depends on the collective will of the South African people. We all need to embrace a future where healthcare is a shared national treasure, reflective of the dignity and value we accord to every South African life.”
According to President Ramaphosa, government has already begun implementing a national quality improvement plan in public and private healthcare facilities, and is now seeing improvement.
“Even in areas where we never thought [we would] see improvement, we see improvement of health facilities, even in our townships, where old people go to get critical medication.”
In addition, he said government would now establish the systems and put in place the necessary governance structures to implement the NHI, based on the primary healthcare approach.
The President has urged people not to fear, as the NHI will be implemented gradually rather than as "an overnight event".
“The NHI is an opportunity to make a break with the inequality and inefficiency that has long characterised our approach to the health of the South African people. Let us work together, in a spirit of cooperation and solidarity, to make the NHI work.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 16:46
216 views
Greenside learner’s innovation scoops first prize at provincial competition
Greenside learner’s innovation scoops first prize at provincial competition
A Grade 10 learner from Greenside High School in Johannesburg has earned the top spot in the provincial leg of the National South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) competition with his innovative approach to water resource management.
The 15-year-old, Yaseen Akhalwaya, was crowned the Gauteng provincial winner for his "Project Weatherman/HydroLogic" project idea.
Yaseen said he found the comments from the adjudicators insightful and he took notes on areas that require improvement, as he aims to secure the number one spot at the national level of the competition.
“I am more than grateful to the department for the chance. The comments from the adjudicators provide valuable feedback and I took notes to help refine my work and increase my chances of securing the number one spot at the national level of the competition,” Yaseen said.
Yaseen’s brilliant water and sanitation innovation idea won him a prize of R6000, a first-place trophy, and a bursary.
The second place went to Good Hope Secondary School with an awareness project. The school walked away with a prize of R5 000 and a second place trophy.
The Greenside Secondary School also scooped third place with an awareness project and won a prize of R4 000.
Fourteen schools from Gauteng took part in this year’s SAYWP competition under the various categories, including awareness, invention and innovation.
Department coordinator: Water Support Service, Reshoketswe Malepe, expressed her gratitude for the support the programme has received over the years from the adjudicators, including teachers and schools, stakeholders, and the media, among others.
“Active youth involvement in the water and sanitation sector is the only way to overcome the sector's plethora of difficulties,” Malepe said.
The competition is a vital component of Water and Sanitation Education Programme, which aims to educate learners and society on water resource management issues, including water use efficiency, water quality monitoring, protection of water resources, public health and hygiene awareness, and identification of invasive species. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 12:05
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New Tenant Survey finds that financial barriers are the primary reason people rent
The majority of people who rent residential accommodation do so for financial reasons with nearly half admitting they can’t afford to buy a property, according to credit bureau TPN’s latest Tenant Survey. The annual Tenant Survey Report provides the property sector, including property owners and managers, with insights into tenants’ needs, wants, aspirations, and challenges, …
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DMRE hosts Battery Energy Storage bidders’ conference
DMRE hosts Battery Energy Storage bidders' conference
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will today host a bidders' conference in respect of Battery Energy Storage (bid window 3) under the Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP).
The department launched a third Request for Proposal (RFP) under the Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (IPPPP), calling for the procurement of 616 MW of new generation capacity from battery energy storage technologies.
“The third battery energy storage bid window calls for 616 MW (2464 MWh) battery energy storage capacity and ancillary services in line with the power system service requirements as set out by the system operator. The procurement round will procure five storage facilities that are located within the Free State province,” said the department.
The new bid window was released on 28 March 2024 in accordance with the Ministerial Determinations made under the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2019).
“In support of this significant milestone in the IPPP programme, and to engage with potential bidders and other energy sector stakeholders, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), and the Independent Power Producers Office, will host a virtual bidders' conferences on Thursday, 9 May 2024,” said the department.
The conference will allow all stakeholders to engage with members of the DMRE and IPP Office on queries or clarification questions in relation to the released RFP.
Hosted on an e-platform, it further aims to provide more information on the qualifying criteria and bid submission requirements.
The conference is open to any interested parties of the BESIPPPP BW3 Programme. Stakeholders can register at the following link: conference registration.
Further queries can be sent to events@ipp-projects.co.za or query@ipp-storage.co.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 09:42
249 views
Maluti Municipality challenged to use farmers to stimulate local economy
Maluti Municipality challenged to use farmers to stimulate local economy
Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, has challenged the Matatiele Local Municipality to partner with the farming sector to kick-start the indigent local economy.
Nxesi made the call during an employers’ breakfast session at the Jobs Fair held at the Council Chambers of the Matatiele Local Municipality on Thursday.
Addressing the municipal officials, Nxesi said the farming community in the area was a resource that had potential.
“They are a resource that you can use and pair them with up-and-coming Black farmers. We need people who are ready to farm [and] people who will deal with production and food security. There are farmers who are ready to do that and up-and-coming farmers are willing to learn,” Nxesi said.
To grow the economy, South Africa needs to enter into a dialogue to find a new way to address unemployment, the Minister said, adding that a partnership is critical to renewal of local economies.
He appealed to the municipality to take charge in the running of the local economy and ensure compliance.
“In a partnership there are certain dos and don’ts [and] if we want to take the country out of this misery of unemployment, we need to build partnerships,” Nxesi said.
Small businesses are a pillar of economic growth and employment creation.
Government launched the Labour Activation Programme (LAP) as an intervention to transition job seekers into employment and entrepreneurship.
He challenged the local municipality to champion and manage at least two new cooperations to uplift local entrepreneurs.
The employer’s breakfast session was held in conjunction with the Jobs and Careers Fair held at Maluti Civic Centre in Matatiele.
The two-day Jobs and Careers Fair, which started on Thursday, is aimed at stimulating employment, particularly among the youth.
It is supported by a number of partners, including government departments, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), employers and community organisations.
Hundreds of job seekers are expected to obtain access to information on available jobs, employment counselling and training opportunities. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/03/2024 - 12:33
317 views
Tony Kocke, Crafting Culinary Excellence at @Sandton Hotel
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Nzimande commends SETAs role in facilitating skills development
Nzimande commends SETAs role in facilitating skills development
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has commended the crucial role played by the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in the country’s skills development.
“As the Department of Higher Education and Training, we are proud to state that while we provide the overall strategic and policy direction, our SETAs continue to play a crucial role in implementing and facilitating skills development within their respective sectors,” Nzimande said.
Speaking at the SETA Skills Summit currently underway in Boksburg, Gauteng, Nzimande said through their sector-specific focus and experts, SETAs contribute significantly to addressing skills gaps, skills mismatches, promoting employment and enhancing productivity within their respective industries.
“Our SETAs also play a crucial role in aligning training and development efforts with the needs of employers and the labour market, thus ensuring the development of a skilled and capable workforce that can become a catalyst for economic growth and development.
“The policy context for the work that is done by our various SETAs derives from such critical policy instruments as our country’s Master Skills Plan, the White Paper for Post School Education and Training, the National Skills Development Plan, and the National Development Plan 2030,” Nzimande said.
The Minister reiterated that the policy instruments are not only critical for enabling the country to articulate and implement a coherent human resource development plan, but it also ensures that "we embrace a skills development approach that is collaborative and sustainable, as opposed to a piecemeal and competition-driven approach”.
Held under the theme, “Together, Skilling the Nation", the two-day summit aims to provide an opportunity for the sector to reflect on its execution of the mandate of skills development.
Nzimande said the collaborative approach is important, considering the unacceptably high number of unemployed young people in the country, and the urgent challenge of people who are 'Not in any formal Education, Employment, or Training (NEET)'.
“It is estimated that more than 3.3 million young people in our country between the ages of 15-24 are not in employment, education, and training and unemployed. This is something that must concern all of us.
“It is therefore understood that a collaborative approach will ensure a coordinated and targeted approach to skills planning, funding, quality assurance, and monitoring, resulting in a skilled and competitive workforce that contributes to economic growth and social development,” Nzimande said.
The Minister also encouraged SETAs to focus on high impact areas, including infrastructure development for the provision of service delivery; significant reduction in unemployment including graduates; sustainable entrepreneurship and cooperatives which promote elf employment; and fundamental rural development.
He also urged them to focus on digitisation and the advancement of technological infrastructure and development to benefit the country, and effective and efficient shared services on information and communications technology. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:08
111 views
Agricultural hubs create work and hope for hundreds
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Workshop highlights importance of effective water resource management
Workshop highlights importance of effective water resource management
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Judith Tshabalala, has reiterated the importance of the effective management of water resources in promoting development in the country.
"It is not the intention of the department to make the lives of our citizens difficult by going through the tedious journey of having to apply for a water use licence [but] we do it because we have been entrusted with powers to ensure that water is managed in the best interest of all citizens,” Tshabalala said.
Tshabalala was speaking during a community engagement on water use license applications at the Westonaria Banquet Hall in the Rand West District Municipality, Johannesburg on Friday.
The workshop aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the application process, engage on sustainable water management practices, facilitate networking opportunities and empower disadvantaged communities.
Tshabalala said the workshop allowed users the space to network, including people who applied for water use licenses, those who have been on the waiting list, and those who have been experiencing challenges regarding water licensing.
The Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of water use licenses to ensure effective water resource management.
“Activities that require water use authorisation include the development of facilities or infrastructure for animal concentration such as pigs, rabbits, crocodiles, ostriches, poultry aquaculture, the development of facilities or infrastructure for animal slaughter such as poultry, game, red meat, and more.
“Additionally, water use authorisation is required for the development and operation of hatcheries or agri-industrial facilities; for an area of 300 square meters or more of indigenous vegetation in specified geographical areas; and of 1 hectare or more of indigenous vegetation,” Tshabalala explained.
During the question-and-answer session, the community members and stakeholders commended the department for the initiative, saying the workshop will make things easier for the disadvantaged when they undergo the application process.
However, they expressed their concerns about water regulations in the country, requesting the government take immediate action against those who claim to sell purified water in their shops.
The community members asked for government’s intervention in spaces where racism is rife and less-literate individuals are taken for granted and are unwittingly made to sign away their land and water use licenses.
The Deputy Minister noted the concerns and promised that a follow-up meeting would be convened to provide feedback regarding the concerns raised.
"We welcome your input and complaints with an open mind and we are very much resolute in our quest of addressing whatever challenge you have in water use licensing,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 04/21/2024 - 09:17
146 views
Thousands of school children stuck without transport months into school year
Eastern Cape transport and education departments are being taken to court