JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa’s healthcare system must be strengthened to ensure the successful implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).
Addressing the 9th National Congress of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa in Boksburg on Tuesday, Ramaphosa acknowledged the declining number of nurses in the country.
This shortage is not only due to less people seeing nursing as an attractive career, but also due to accreditation delays.
In response to this the president called on Denosa to align its training and capacity-building initiatives with community needs.
“In an environment where South Africa has a shortage of nurses, we are encouraged that the issue of South African nurses being recruited in large numbers by other countries is also on the agenda. Achieving improved, equitable health outcomes across the population is a critical enabler of economic growth and poverty eradication,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa also recognised the role nurses will have to play in the implementation of the NHI.
“Beyond preparing for the NHI, the nursing profession is confronting emerging challenges. These include legal action against nurses and the increasing number of undocumented patients from neighbouring countries seeking treatment in South African public health facilities,” he said.
Being able to implement NHI and improving healthcare outcomes is essential for economic growth and poverty eradication.
He urged Denosa to tackle these critical issues as it works to shape the future of the nursing profession in South Africa.