Setting new standards for health communication in South Africa
Prior to the 1994 election, health care was a privilege enjoyed only by some sectors of the community. After the election health care was entrenched in the constitution through section 27(1) that states that everyone has a right to have access to health seNices. The challenge the ANC led government...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
University of Johannesburg
2022-11-01
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| Series: | Communicare |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.uj.ac.za/index.php/jcsa/article/view/1885 |
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| Summary: | Prior to the 1994 election, health care was a privilege enjoyed only by
some sectors of the community. After the election health care was
entrenched in the constitution through section 27(1) that states that
everyone has a right to have access to health seNices.
The challenge the ANC led government faces is to balance the
maintenance of tertiary care service with the simultaneous upgrading of
. primary care seNices. The strategy adopted by the Department of Health
is to regulate the industry and educate the public. Although this strategic
approach is designed to promote and provide healthcare to al/ South
Africans, it appears to be failing. According to the Economist Intelligence
Unit the health status of South Africa is the poorest of all 27 countries
measured. During the first two years of the new health care system many
crises occurred. According to the Director General of Health, some of the
crises were the result of the long neglect of apartheid while other crises
relate directly to the lack of skill in communication.
This article argues that improved communication at all levels is a
necessary prereqUisite if South Africa is to improve the health status of our
population.
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| ISSN: | 0259-0069 2957-7950 |