Media Statement on the Meeting of the Provincial Health Council
9 June 2008
The Gauteng Provincial Health Council (PHC) held its quarterly meeting today, 9 June 2008, in Johannesburg.
The PHC is chaired by Gauteng Health MEC Brian Hlongwa and its members comprise Members of Mayoral Committees responsible for health and emergency medical services from the three metropolitan councils and three district municipalities in Gauteng .
The PHC's primary purpose is to deliberate on matters of policy and delivery of district health services.
Issues discussed by the meeting included the following:
-
MEC Hlongwa congratulated his department for promptly addressing health issues that resulted from the xenophobic violence. The health department has provided mobile clinics, immunization, emergency services, infant formula, blankets, counseling and health education to affected communities.
-
The meeting expressed concern over the incidents of violence, discussed issues of criminality and acknowledged frustration by township and informal settlement residents who are facing poverty.
The council also emphasized the importance of respecting democratic values.
-
It was reported that an audit on challenges facing the Emergency Medical Services Training has commenced. The aim is to ensure that planned increase in capacity is achieved
Forging partnerships with private nursing colleges for recruitment purposes.
Definitions of service packages accessed at clinic levels have been finalized.
-
Introduction of multiple therapy for Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission of HIV to further reduce transmission from 10% to 5%.
-
Overall Tuberculosis cure rate has increased from 67% to 74.4%.
-
The meeting noted progress in the management of community based health services which will improve health outcomes.
An integrated provincial plan for the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, which will be further be broken down at district levels
Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health.
Enquiries: Zanele Mngadi at 082 330 1148
|
