Issued by: Department of Health
In December 1998, Health Minister, Dr Nkosazana Zuma, appointed a Transformation Task Team to advise her on restructuring the pathology laboratory services in the public sector.
Earlier that year, the Provincial Health Restructuring Committee (PHRC) and the Provincial Health Ministers' meeting (MinMec) had recommended the restructuring of the State diagnostic Pathology Laboratories and the South African Institute of Medical Research (SAIMR) into a single national parastatal body. This initiative was aimed at enhancing a comprehensive, affordable, accessible and efficient service.
In March 1999, the Transformation Task Team completed its work and reported to the Minister. MinMec has since adopted the principles in the report and the Department of Health will appoint a project management team to implement recommendations contained therein.
The executive summary of this report including recommendations is available from the Department of Health at the above address.
The Department further invites comments from interested parties and proposals in respect of the next phase of amalgamation and implementation.