The Minister of Health has published the Policy on the Management of Public Hospitals for public comment. This is one of a collection of policies (shared via an earlier Advocacy Alert) which together aim to transform the health care system in preparation for the implementation of a national health insurance scheme in South Africa. The other policies, also covered in this issue, are the National Health Insurance Policy Paper and the Draft Regulations on the Categories of Hospitals.

Comments must be submitted by 12 October 2011 and be addressed to the Director-General: Health, Private Bag X828, Pretoria, 0001.

This policy is part of a broader undertaking to improve the public health system in South Africa. Point 4 of the Department’s 10 Point Strategic Plan is to overhaul the health care system and improve its management, which includes overhauling the management of hospitals. This policy contributes to this objective. The aim of the policy is to ensure that the management of hospitals is underpinned by the principles of effectiveness, efficiency and transparency.

The objectives are to:

• Ensure the implementation of applicable legislation and policies to improve functionality of hospitals;
• Ensure the appointment of competent and skilled hospital managers;
• Provide for the development of accountability frameworks; and
• Ensure training of managers in leadership, management and governance.

The policy classifies hospitals in order to address issues of equity, affordability, efficiency and effectiveness.Hospitals are either District hospitals, Regional Hospitals, Tertiary Hospitals, Central Hospitals and Specialised Hospitals which service targeted geographical areas and provide varying levels of general and specialist health services.

The policy further specifies job descriptions and minimum qualifications for hospital management positions. It makes provision for the appointment of a hospital board and specifies the qualifying criteria for board members. The role of the board is advisory and it will play a key role in facilitating community interface with the hospital in question.

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Click here to view the policy on managing public hospitals.