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15 April 2009

South Africa's healthcare system is set to undergo a major overhaul as Health Minister Barbara Hogan announces the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Committee for quality, safety and standards on Friday, 17 April 2009 in Birchwood, Boksburg.

The establishment of the committee follows on the Department of Health’s plans to improve the quality of healthcare in the country in line with the patients’ needs. The committee will be broadly responsible for providing the Minister of Health with advice on policies and best practices for quality and safety and the means to ensure compliance and make recommendations for specific system wide corrective action. The committee will also be responsible for playing an advocacy role in relation to the national agenda for quality.

Given the complexity of quality of healthcare, the committee will be constituted into three (3) sub-committees along the following three key areas:
* sub-committee for standards, norms and guidelines
* sub-committee for infection prevention and control and patient safety
* Sub-committee for quality improvement.

Members of the committee and subcommittees are appointed in terms of their recognised knowledge and experience in the relevant area, drawn from among academics and those working in the public and private sectors.

In her address, the Health Minister will announce and introduce to the public members of the Interim Advisory Committee pending the gazetting of her intentions in the Government Gazette. Once this administrative process has taken place, a permanent committee will then be established and will be in effect for a period not exceeding three (3) years.

Members of the media are invited to this history making event in the delivery of quality healthcare in South Africa.

Date: 17 April 2009
Time: 10h00
Venue: Birchwood Conference Centre

For more information please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Tel 012 312 0663
Cell: 079 517-3333

Issued by: Department of Health
15 April 2009