South Africa’s healthcare system suffers from widespread problems in its governance. A number of indicators point to this dysfunction. These include the large number of managers in acting positions, frequent changes in senior leadership, worse health outcomes than similarly resourced countries, and overall deterioration of morale and trust in the public health system.
These indicators confirm that there are system-wide failures. And that much needs to be done to improve governance of the South African health system.
The findings were made by a panel appointed by the Academy of Science of South Africa. The seven-member panel was made up of a multidisciplinary group of South African public health and health systems researchers, academics and practitioners.
The findings underline that poor governance results from many interrelated factors. And that the country’s complex health system is still influenced by its historical context of colonisation, exclusion, fragmentation and inequity. ….more
