Sama Says Healthcare Budget Not Sufficient

The South African Medical Association SAMA has called on government to reconsider the proposed budget allocations for the healthcare sector.

The association argues that the budget is inadequate and will not effectively address the ongoing crisis in the sector. In his Budget Speech on Wednesday, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced an addition of R28.9 billion to the health budget , which is intended to retain approximately 9 300 healthcare workers in the countrys hospitals and clinics.

Godongwana also mentioned that part of this funding would be used to hire 800 post-community service doctors.

SAMA Chairperson Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa, Youll recall what the Minister was saying, as part of the public share, the funds would go to provinces but provinces would not prioritize healthcare in in their allocation at a provincial level. So, were complaining, were saying that provinces must prioritize the hiring of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers. So that we avoid, these problems that were talking about where you find that we have a poor quality of healthcare because of a dire shortage and also the burn out on those are in the system already.

Dr Mzukwa has also called on government to ensure that it addresses the issue of corruption in the sector before allocating the budget.