Pretoria - The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has welcomed the decision by Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane to split the provincial Health Department from the Social Development Department.
Mokonyane announced during the State of the Province Address that the Health Department would, with effect from April 2012, have a dedicated MEC and HOD as a further intervention to ensure the effective functioning of the department.
SAMA chairperson Dr Norman Mabasa commended the move, saying it was a long overdue attempt to improve healthcare in Gauteng. The association had noted with serious concern over the past year the challenges that have plagued the provincial healthcare system.
"This move will most likely improve the management of both departments and each department can focus and prioritise its different challenges... We are glad to see that the Premier is making a laudable effort to improve health services in Gauteng," said Mabasa.
While commending the bold move by the premier, Mabasa also hoped that more radical steps would be taken to address the many problems with which healthcare in Gauteng is faced.
"Due to the large population in Gauteng, there is a greater burden of diseases and hence the need for a dedicated Head of Department that will focus on the countless problems that healthcare is facing provincially. We can only expect this move to work for the better for everyone," he said.
