sector skills plan for the health sector in south africa

A skills development framework to create a common skills base for CCWs in health and social
development services is also proposed. The CCWMPF envisages that such skills development be aligned
with SAQA-accredited learning and delivered via applied job-specific and workplace-specific skills
programmes, rather than full qualifications. 119 Those applied skills programmes will be based on the
HCBC services on offer and also incorporate adult basic education and training (ABET). According to the
CCWMPF, four applied skills programmes should be developed from a health and social development
perspective. These programmes will be for home-based care, community care, facility-based care, and
supervisors. Although these applied skills programmes will not lead to a qualification, the policy
framework suggests that a vocational qualification in health be considered. It is also envisaged that twothirds
of the training be community-based and experiential, rather than classroom work. Further
proposals include the use of accredited training providers, NPOs and qualified educators or trainers to
facilitate learning programmes. According to the DoH and DoSD, the funding for the CCW programmes
(including their remuneration, initial training, care kit, professional supervision, etc) would be drawn
from national and provincial departments, international development partners and NPOs. 120
3.10.3 A NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SYSTEM
a) Proposals
Current proposals for a national health insurance (NHI) system are contained in the National Health
Insurance Policy Proposal of the African National Congress (ANC). 121 Comprehensive and universal
coverage to all citizens and legal residents of South Africa is envisaged, irrespective of contribution. 122
Services will be rendered via accredited public and private providers, mostly primary healthcare GPs,
multi-disciplinary teams and hospitals. Patients will be able to consult the practitioner of their choice as
the proposed NHI Authority hopes to contract all public and private service providers. Medical services
will be free of charge and no co-payments or out-of-pocket expenses will be required from patients.
The scheme will be financed via a dedicated payroll tax levied on formal sector employees and general
taxes paid by individuals, companies and VAT vendors. 123
119 DoH and DoSD. 2009. Community Care Worker Management Policy Framework. Published at www.doh.gov.za (Accessed
August 2010).
120 DOH and DoSD. 2009. Community Care Worker Management Policy Framework. Published at www.doh.gov.za (Accessed
August 2010).
121 ANC. 2009. National Health Insurance Policy Proposal. Published at http://www.healthe.org.za/documents/5b5e24462cdf6e214072c2e3f92ab1b9.pdf
(Accessed August 2010).
122 The current proposals available in the public domain emanate from a 2009 ANC policy document and not a draft policy
document published by the DoH for public comment.
123 Van der Berg, S., Burger, R., Theron, N. et al. 2010. Financial Implications of a National Health Insurance Plan for South
Africa; Harrison, D. 2009. An Overview of Health and Health care in South Africa 1994-2010: Priorities, Progress and Prospects
for New Gains. Published at www.doh.gov.za (Accessed February 2010).
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