Healthcare has undergone a series of reforms since 1994. Because of the shock of demand placed on the system, a conscious but perhaps unconscious decision was made between 1994 and 2014 to address the immediate needs of the majority of people in South Africa. This happened at a time when our HIV and AIDS problem was growing fast and when there was limited access to healthcare, which resulted in the creation or reform of deep capabilities. This helped to build deep-seated capabilities where they were desperately needed, such as Central Medical Stores, National Health Laboratory Services, HIV clinics and district structures. Together with these, approximately 20 health programmes were created in an effort to guarantee the basket of primary healthcare services rendered by our state health facilities.
This has unfortunately created a system of vertical structures that has limited integrated service delivery, which today is a priority for the Ministry of Health. As a country, we have matured and are building up our healthcare system to face various service delivery challenges and the growing disease burden. Over time, there has been a strong focus on specific programmes (such as HIV and AIDS programmes and TB programmes) that have resulted in improved healthcare outcomes. Experience gained from these interventions enables us to address the current challenges to improve access and to drive service delivery. Appreciable progress has been made through robust policies and protocols.
Click here to view an infographic from Deloitte that talks to the milestones achieved in the healthcare industry.