Our Opinion

Another new medical plan

THE Eastern Cape’s public health system appears set for a major overhaul.

According to a discussion document, the Service Transformation Plan, the “ultimate aim is to reshape the health service delivery system in order to provide accessible quality care health services to all”.

The changes, due to be implemented in phases from March, come a mere six years after a process of rationalisation which saw hospitals across the province such as East London’s Cecilia Makiwane and Frere amalgamated into complexes at significant cost.

The cost of East London Hospital Complex was estimated at R35 million. And it saw its managers occupy rather plush headquarters at the city’s beachfront.

But, then, it was heralded as a move that would see “people-centred quality care to the public”.

Seemingly, though, the Eastern Cape’s health managers and officials have found the amalgamation process to have been undesirable and have now put a new transformation plan on the table.

The major thrust of the new process, according to the report, will be an emphasis on primary healthcare and community health centres, avoiding congestion and oversubscription of services at major hospitals.

This, the document says, is in line with national health policy.

On the face of it, the Health Department has a difficult task ahead in bringing quality care to its clients. It faces massive shortages of skilled personnel such as doctors and nurses.

Earlier this year, national Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang said, CMH, for example had a 58 percent vacancy rate for doctors. The situation worsens in areas such as the former Transkei.

It appears, though, that the transformation process, is set to become a political football. It has yet to be presented to the Bhisho Legislature and the Premier for approval. The unions have yet to be consulted about a move that will see many of its members relocated to new centres.

There have been efforts to suppress our publication of the proposed changes. Calls have been made to the Daily Dispatch to stop its publication. The Health MEC refused to comment, instead preferring to lash out at our reporters, ranting how she “hates” and “despises” the Dispatch.

The MEC’s feelings aside, it is imperative that one key question is answered: Is it in the interest of the citizens of the Eastern Cape?

If it is, then the plan must go ahead. If it is nothing but a desperate plan to attempt to deal with the hereto unsolved problems of delivery, then it must be scrutinised.

That is the responsibility that Bhisho carries when acting for the people of this province.