According to the South African Medical Association (SAMA), President Cyril Ramaphosa should consider reducing his current cabinet during the seventh administration’s selection process.
This comes as the country prepares for the presidential inauguration, which is set for Wednesday at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Gauteng.
SAMA stated that downsizing the cabinet is a critical step. This is because it would allow funds to be reallocated to address pressing needs within the healthcare system. And it will result in better service delivery and improved health outcomes for all South Africans.
Reduction will save the country R15bn
SAMA chairperson Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa said that reducing the cabinet to 15 ministers might save the country R5-billion. The amount could be used to fill approximately 4,000 healthcare roles.
“Our nation is facing significant health challenges. [These] include a shortage of medical doctors, a healthcare infrastructure that is collapsing, as well as insufficient medical supplies,” said Mzukwa.
Mzukwa said the current challenges in the healthcare system are exacerbated by financial constraints. These limit the capacity to respond effectively to the population’s health requirements and needs.
“It is imperative to recognise that the health of our citizens underpins the social determinants of health. Also the overall well-being and the economic stability of our country.
“There is compelling empirical evidence that every rand spent on healthcare, especially in the first 1,000 days of human life, is in fact an investment,” he added.
Huge resources redirected towards improving healthcare
By reducing the size of the cabinet, substantial financial resources can be redirected to improving healthcare infrastructure, said Mzukwa.
“Ensuring that hospitals and clinics are adequately equipped to handle patient loads and provide high-quality care. Recruitment and retaining doctors, nurses, and other healthcare
professionals. This will meet the growing demand for medical services.”
Resources must be channeled towards investing in public health initiatives that prevent diseases and promote healthy lifestyles. This will reduce the long-term strain on the healthcare system.
“A deputy minister’s salary, for example, is about R2-million per annum. This is excluding fringe benefits, personal staff members and VIP security detail costs. SAMA believes that a leaner government structure will yield financial savings. It will also promote efficiency and accountability.
Deputy ministers’ salaries can save ailing healthcare
“The health sector, often regarded as the backbone of societal well-being, stands to benefit immensely from the additional funding. This move will demonstrate a strong commitment to the health and future of our nation.”
He further called upon the 7th administration to engage in a consultative process with all relevant stakeholders. This to explore the potential benefits of the strategic budget reallocation for the health of the nation.
