LET’S SUPPORT HEALTH MINISTER’S REFORMS

THE last place any politician would want to be seated right now, is in the office of the minister of Health. Unless, of course, they are of corrupt character and see this portfolio as the Ministry of Wealth. In giving him the benefit of the doubt, one believes our Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula does not subscribe to the latter view, given his statements and strategy to reform a health sector that has become captured by businesspeople whose only interest is how much money they can make from people’s pain and suffering.

Disheartening

It is really disheartening that the country finds itself with a health system languishing in a state of emergency, akin to being in an intensive care unit (ICU), with little respite in the expensive private medical care space that is also becoming a dog-eat-dog sector at the expense of the helpless ailing public. Members of Parliament (MPs) have hinted there could be acts of sabotage against the minister and these assertions come at the backdrop of a reported attempt to prune the operations of the ministry by removing the drug procurement component. This failed, and so have other attempts to have the principal secretary in the ministry transferred for refusing to bow to the dictates of those who want to call the tune.

One must commend the efforts of our health minister in trying to resuscitate this vital sector through strategic reforms, particularly on the procurement and supply of essential drugs.
However, this endeavour cannot succeed without the collective support of all stakeholders that include government officials, civil society, healthcare workers and us, citizens.
The current dysfunction in our health system has been worsened by rampant corruption, where greed has overshadowed the essential value of human life. It is disheartening to see how corruption within the procurement chain has led to an acute shortage of drugs and medical supplies essential for saving lives.

Justified

The minister would be justified if he were to call for an overhaul of personnel involved in procurement. Many individuals who have turned a blind eye to mismanagement and malpractice must be held accountable for their role in this crisis. Equally troubling is the fact that, up to now, the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has not arrested anyone implicated in these corrupt activities. It is unfathomable that no action has been taken against those who have compromised the health of our nation for personal gain. This lack of accountability undermines public trust and discourages those who are genuinely working to improve the healthcare system.

The minister also requires support to transform the Central Medical Stores (CMS) into a semi-autonomous entity governed by a robust digital drug management system, similar to the one implemented by The Luke Commission (TLC). This approach is essential if we want to have a transparent and efficient supply of pharmaceuticals that can safeguard the health of our citizens. However, as we champion these progressive changes, we must also address some concerning behaviours that threaten the integrity of our healthcare system. Reports have surfaced indicating that some nurses, who ought to embody the spirit of Florence Nightingale, are exploiting the situation by selling pharmaceuticals.

This betrayal of their calling undermines public trust and the noble profession they represent. We urge our nursing community to return to their foundational principles of compassion and care, prioritising the well-being of patients over personal gain. It is also imperative that we exercise caution in our approach to change. Simply pouring funding into the ministry of health without addressing the systemic issues that have plagued this sector will do little to effect change. We cannot afford to let financial resources leak through the gaps that have driven our healthcare system into the ground. Sustainable solutions must focus on improving management practices and accountability within the ministry.

Eliminating

Moreover, a key reform involves eliminating the middlemen in the pharmaceutical supply chain. By sourcing essential drugs directly from manufacturers, as has been  implemented by other governments in the region and beyond, we can significantly reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency. This direct approach not only ensures that medicines reach those in need faster but also minimises opportunities for corruption. What is stopping us from doing so? At the end of the day, this sector is too big and highly delicate for one man to change it for the better. Let us all rally behind the minister of Health in his attempts to clear out the rot and inject new life into the health system. We must never forget that it is a healthy nation that forms the foundation for progress and prosperity for this country. Stakeholders at all levels must come together to support efforts aimed at dismantling the corrupt systems that have allowed our health services to fail. It is high time we prioritise the health and well-being of our people over personal interests.

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