Health Sector Reform and Decentralisation Agenda Takes a Significant Step Forward

Strategic Insights -

The Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, has hailed the relocation of Primary Health Care functions to his ministry as a significant step in the country's ongoing health sector reform and decentralisation agenda. The transfer of functions from the Ministry of Health has made substantial progress, particularly in areas of human resource deployment, facility handover, fleet management, and budgeting. Under the new arrangement, clinics, community-based programs, and public health functions have been transferred to the ministry, while primary hospitals remain under the Ministry of Health.

Key Takeaways:

  • 8,070 employees out of 17,838 workforce at the Ministry of Health have been identified for transfer, with 6,225 already receiving their transfer letters.
  • The transfer of health facilities has been completed, with 615 facilities, including 98 clinics with maternity services, 167 clinics without maternity services, and 350 health posts, being transferred to the ministry.
  • 2,116 staff houses and 12 District Health Management Team (DHMT) offices have changed hands.
  • 584 vehicles and three boat ambulances have been transferred from the health ministry, with over half of these reported to be in need of repair.
  • Operational funding of P492 million and a further P155 million for development projects have been allocated to the ministry.
  • The Central Medical Stores will continue to supply medicine and medical commodities, with several interventions being implemented to address stock-outs and underfunding of the drug budget.
  • The rollout of the E-Pulse system is underway to enhance drug logistics and supply chain management.
  • Ongoing engagement with the Directorate of Public Service Management is taking place to fill critical posts, and facility condition assessments are being conducted to guide refurbishment plans.

Statistics:

  • 8,070 employees identified for transfer out of 17,838 workforce at the Ministry of Health.
  • 6,225 out of 8,070 employees have already received their transfer letters.
  • 615 health facilities transferred to the ministry, including 98 clinics with maternity services, 167 clinics without maternity services, and 350 health posts.
  • 2,116 staff houses and 12 DHMT offices changed hands.
  • 584 vehicles and three boat ambulances transferred from the health ministry, with over half reported to be in need of repair.
  • Operational funding of P492 million allocated to the ministry.
  • P155 million allocated for development projects.
  • 6,225 employees transferred (as of the statement).

Sources:

  • Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa (2023).