Motsoaledi appoints committee to review 4 health policies considered outdated, costly to state

JOHANNESBURG - A committee has been appointed by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to review four health policies, considered to be outdated and a cost burden to the state.

The decision to review the polices was taken during a national health council sitting in November.

Addressing the media in Centurion on Thursday, Motsoaledi emphasised the need to review the policies urgently.

The four health policies set for review include the remunerative work outside the public service policy, dealing with rules for employees seeking permission to engage in paid work outside their regular duties.

The committed overtime policy, which deals with pre-agreed, fixed overtime payments for healthcare professionals, is designed to address operational needs and skill shortages.

The community service policy, deals with deployments for internships for medical practitioners and the rural allowance policy for medical practitioners working in remote rural areas.

Motsoaledi said these policies needed to be reviewed urgently.

"Some of them have created unnecessary costs without any tangible benefits."

He added that the policies had contributed to undermining the healthcare sector’s ability to deliver quality services.