The National Health Council had its first meeting on Friday in Pretoria, replacing the former health policy body MinMec.
”Today, we are formally dissolving what is called MinMec in order to make way for the National Health Council. At this moment, I would like to thank all the members of MinMec for the spirit of cooperative governance that has characterised this structure,” Minister of Health Manto Tshabalala-Msimang said.
The minister said that, to date, the health sector had been operating under the Health Act of 1977.
On May 2, President Thabo Mbeki proclaimed the National Health Act, which replaced its predecessor, in one of whose provisions was the formation of a National Health Council. MinMec had not been legislated, Tshabalala-Msimang said.
The council was convened in terms of Section 23 of the National Health Act.
”In terms of this Section, the council must strive to reach its decisions by consensus. Where a decision cannot be reached by consensus, the decision of the majority of the members of the council becomes the decision of the council,” Tshabalala-Msimang said.
She is the chairperson of the council, and members include the deputy health minister, the director general and deputy directors general of the health department, heads of provincial health departments, the head of the South African Military Health Service and representatives of local government.
Tshabalala-Msimang said it is hoped the establishment of the council will assist in building on progress made in transforming the health sector over the past 11 years.
”It will enable us to move as a united force in our endeavour to strengthen our health system with the principles of equity, accessibility and quality health services,” she said. — Sapa