The heads of Provincial Departments of Health and the South African Medical Services (SAMS), met with Dr O Shisana, Director-General of the Department of Health, in a two day planning session designed to evaluate the progress made by the departments over the past eighteen months since new health departments came into being.
The meeting was held in Knysna from 14 to 15 January. It was found that considerable progress had been made in restructuring health services in South Africa and there was solidarity and confidence in facing the challenges of the year ahead. There was great commitment for unity amongst all the heads of health and strong support was expressed for the perseverance to create a comprehensive national health system under the leadership of the national Department of Health.
A comprehensive inter-active press conference is planned for mid February to allow the press to meet and discuss matters of health with Dr O Shisana and the provincial heads of health.
During the strategy planning session held in Knysna, substantive issues were fully discussed, including improved financial management and control, interaction with all relevant stakeholders in health service provision and improved communications.
CONTACT PERSON: DR GONDA PEREZ TEL: 012 312 0165 FAX: 012 217 960