Manto wants to promote BEE in private health care

Tshabalala-Msimang says health ministry has been aware of the deadly TB strain since March

Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, the health minister, has told parliament that a charter for the private health care industry is being drawn up. The minister was presenting her departmental budget to the house. Among the charter's aims is the promotion of BEE initiatives in the private health care sector. It is expected to be finalised within two months.

The health minister also says there is a need to share resources and competencies between the public and private health sectors in a bid to beef up the entire health system and redress imbalances between the two sectors.

Tshabalala-Msimang also says her department has sought to work with other countries to manage the movement of local health professionals to other countries and prevent a negative impact on the health system. She however says her department cannot prevent professionals from gaining international experience. The health minister noted a decrease in the number of South African nurses registered with the UK's Nursing and Midwifery Council as compared to figures from 2002.

Prices in line
Tshabalala-Msimang also says a method to internationally benchmark medicines will bring South African prices in line with those of other countries. She said the method would have to be implemented before the end of the year with the first draft being available for public input over the next few months.

Salaries of health workers are also being revised and new ones are expected to be implemented in the next financial year. On HIV/Aids, the minister said R200 million had been set aside for the implementation of an Accelerated HIV Prevention Strategy in the next two years.

The minister also said her department will focus on the establishment of a Traditional Health Practitioners Council this year.