Second Presidential Health Compact Signed to Strengthen SA's Healthcare System

Last month, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, serving as Acting President, led the signing of the compact, an initiative introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019.

The journey towards providing quality and affordable healthcare for all South Africans has progressed with the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact. Acting Minister in the Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa, announced this on Thursday during a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

Last month, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, serving as Acting President, led the signing of the compact, an initiative introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019. The Presidential Health Compact is a cooperative framework involving various stakeholders to strengthen the national health system and prepare for the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).

The stakeholders include government entities, businesses, labour unions, civil society, health professionals, statutory councils, service users, and academia. The compact aims to develop sustainable and inclusive solutions to overcome challenges in the country's health system.

Ramokgopa highlighted that the compact focuses on bolstering human resource development, improving access to medicine, vaccines, and health products, upgrading healthcare infrastructure, and fostering private sector engagement.

During the signing ceremony, Mashatile emphasized the economic importance of a healthy population. "A healthy nation is more productive and prosperous. Providing quality healthcare is essential to improving life expectancy, quality of life, and overall wellbeing," he stated.

In addition, Ramokgopa revealed that Cabinet was disturbed by attempts by unscrupulous lawyers and advocates to defraud the State of billions of rands through fraudulent medico-legal claims. A Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe, which has been ongoing since 2017, uncovered these fraudulent activities, with some legal practitioners collaborating with State health employees to target provincial health departments.

The investigation has saved the government at least R3 billion in fraudulent claims, according to Ramokgopa.