A people’s policy for health in South Africa

Improving democratic participation in healthcare policy reforms to reduce the burden of disease in South Africa is the aim of a project being undertaken by Monash University and Oxfam Australia.

Through an examination of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, being developed in South Africa to ensure everyone has access to healthcare services, an Oxfam-Monash research team is working to increase community participation in democratic processes to hold the Government accountable for efficient and effective healthcare delivery.

Co-project Leader and Head of Monash South Africa School of Health Sciences, Professor Geoffrey Setswe, said the NHI was vital to improving healthcare delivery, as the present system did not ensure everyone in the country had adequate access to healthcare services.

“Without implementing the National Health Insurance, the burden of disease in this country will not be reduced, as many people miss out on access to adequate healthcare. They would continue to die prematurely or suffer from preventable disease,” Professor Setswe said.

The research team partnered with two local organisations to gauge interest in and knowledge of the NHI in one rural community and one peri-urban community.

“While communities have heard about the NHI, knowledge and understanding of the policy itself is low. We believe information and knowledge empower local communities to ensure policies serve their needs,” Professor Setswe said.

To increase the communities’ ability to participate in the NHI, an information booklet was distributed to members of the public.

“As a result, the communities better understand the NHI as a tool they can use to lobby government with the anticipated result of improved healthcare delivery,” Professor Setswe said.

The next stage of the project will see communities actively submit input on the implementation of the NHI in South Africa. The project will conclude in October 2013.

The project is part of the Oxfam-Monash Partnership, established in 2008 to combat global poverty and health through delivering innovative solutions to issues affecting people living in poverty. The Partnership continues to advance activities, and achieve important outcomes for the region.

To be introduced over the next five years, the National Health Insurance in South Africa will cover preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative health services with an emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion.  Piloting of the NHI commenced earlier this year in 10 selected South African districts.