Pretoria - Cabinet has approved legislation that may lead to the establishment of an independent body to ensure that state hospitals and clinics comply with minimum health standards.
The National Health Amendment Bill - which is out for public comment - provides for the creation of an independent entity - the Office of the Health Standards Compliance whose primary purpose will be to ensure that health establishments throughout the country comply with minimum standards.
"It will certify compliance with the prescribed norms and standards, monitor and inspect health establishments and deal with complaints against entire health systems, including public and private health sector," said Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, addressing the media on Thursday at a post Cabinet briefing.
He said the body will also advise him on the need to revise or develop norms and standards for quality and safety for the entire health system.
The Bill could also see the establishment of an ombudsman's office to handle public complaints about poor services. The ombudsman will investigate the incident and file a report on what went wrong, where and when. The information will be provided to the patients.
"Some of the issues will be referred to the professional council if a complaint is about a doctor. If it's a nurse, the matter will be referred to the South African Nursing Council. If it's a criminal case it would be referred to the police," said Dr Motsoaledi.
All health centres, including private ones, will have to get accreditation from this office.
