Cape Town — The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to decrease the size of his cabinet and prioritise the country’s ailing healthcare system.
With Ramaphosa being sworn in as President today, SAMA asked that he reconsider the size of his ministerial cabinet and reallocate those funds to the healthcare sector, which would result in better service delivery and improved health outcomes for all South Africans, Sunday World reported.
Our nation faces significant health challenges, including a shortage of doctors, a healthcare infrastructure that is collapsing as well as insufficient medical supplies. These challenges are worsened by budget constraints that limit our capacity to respond effectively to the health needs of our population,” SAMA chairerspon, Mvuyisi Mzukwa, said.
“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.” he added.
“Taking down deputy ministers could save the country a lot of money that could be diverted elsewhere, even if you only have one political head” Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa on #TheNationalPulse with @AshrafGarda pic.twitter.com/WwygjmwRtG
— SAfmRadio 📻 (@SAfmRadio) June 18, 2024
Mzukwa said that, if Ramaphosa were to reduce the size of his cabinet, it would allow substantial finances to be redirected to to improving the healthcare sector. He said if hospitals and clinics are adequately equipped to hand high loads of patients, it can provide high-quality healthcare.
By channeling resources towards public health initiatives and promoting healthy lifestyles.
According to SAMA CEO, Dr Mzulungile Theo Nodikida, the association believes a leaner government structure would not only yield financial savings but also promote efficiency and accountability, Times LIVE reported.
“A deputy minister’s salary, for example, is about R2m per annum, excluding fringe benefits, personal staff members and VIP security detail costs. Reports have indicated slashing the cabinet to 15 ministers could save the country about R5 billion which could fill about 4 000 healthcare posts.” he said
With the health sector considered the backbone of social wellbeing, it would benefit massively from additional funding and showcase a strong commitment to health and the future of South Africa.
“The health sector, often regarded as the backbone of societal wellbeing, stands to benefit immensely from the additional funding. This move would demonstrate a strong commitment to the health and future of our nation. He called on government to explore the benefits of the budget reallocation.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
