The North West has roped in stakeholders to map out strategies for better health provision

An integrated programme aimed at improving the health status of communities and promoting healthy living was among the issues of focus during a two-day Provincial Health Consultative Forum in the North West.

The provincial Health department, in conjunction with the North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), convened the forum, with both internal and external stakeholders participating and advising the department on its policies and programmes, targeted at improving the provision of healthcare services.

Other issues discussed during the forum, held from 14 June at the Alpha Conference Centre in Broederstroom, included management of the district health system; providing accessible, equitable and affordable comprehensive primary healthcare service; and the impact of municipal services to quality healthcare.

Stakeholders who attended the forum included academics, traditional leaders, traditional health practitioners, health portfolio committee, municipalities, non-governmental organisations, unions, the Provincial Council on Aids, private sector institutions and senior managers in the department.

Provincial department spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane explained that the stakeholders formed part of a multi-sectoral approach to advance and monitor delivery of healthcare services through the establishment of a provincial health consultative forum.

“The forum promoted, facilitated interaction, communication and sharing of information on provincial health issues between representatives of the provincial department and municipal organisations identified by the member of the executive council,” he said.

The forum was required by law to meet once every 12 months in order to review policies and projects.

The provincial department has brought on board the North-West University as a partner to assist with developing a booklet of governance and governance structures within both the local government and the public sector environment.

“The university will also facilitate workshops to train members of governance structures on the challenges and the role they should play in improving health service delivery, particularly at primary healthcare level,” said Lekgethwane.

Provincial MEC for Health Dr Magome Masike gave a keynote address focused on re-engineering primary healthcare and the Service Transformation Plan, which will give members of the governance structures a 20-year vision of healthcare in the country and the province.

Source: BuaNews

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