Issued by: Department of Health
11 May 1998
SIGNIFICANT HEALTH GAINS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
Pretoria - During this Constitution Week the Department of Health would like to reflect on progress made towards the implementation of the health rights mentioned in the Constitution.
One of the most important health rights in the Constitution, is the right to access to health care services, including reproductive health care. In this regard, the Department of Health has made considerable progress. Free Primary Health Care (PHC) services are available to all South Africans at PHC facilities run by the State. All children under the age of six years and pregnant women receive free health services at all State institutions.
To ensure that under served communities have access to medical doctors, the Department of Health has entered into agreements with other governments and has implemented a policy of community service for all new medical graduates.
Since 1994, the Department of Health has run a number of immunisation campaigns to ensure that the majority of children are immunised against polio and measles. The Department would like to eliminate preventable child related diseases, where possible.
In relation to reproductive health care, the Department of Health has expanded access to family planning counselling and free access to contraception. The Department of Health is committed to ensuring that women have access to safe reproductive health services including the termination of pregnance.
In regard to the right to an environment that is not harmful to one's health and well-being, the Department of Health has embarked on a number of community awareness campaigns including campaigns on paraffin safety and the dangers of smoking. The Department of Health has co-operated with the Department of Water Affairs and forestry to ensure the provision of clean and safe water.
Health services are being reorganised and transformed in accordance with the White Paper: "The Transformation of the Health System in South Africa". Through the implementation of this policy document the Department would like to fulfill its mission which is to provide leadership and guidance to the health sector in its efforts to promote and monitor the health of all South Africans.
Clearly the Department of Health has made significant gains in the implementation of the health rights of all South Africans in accordance with the Constitution. There are however still many areas which still need to be addressed. The Department of Health is committed to addressing these to ensure that every citizen in South Africa is provided with health care that is accessible, equitable and efficient.