sector skills plan for the health sector in south africa

Veterinary skills are in demand globally and international migration is common. 150 In South Africa skills
shortages are experienced in the public sector where the vacancy rate for veterinarians at national,
provincial and laboratory level remains high. The need for veterinary services at local government level
is not known with accuracy as there is still debate about whether the responsibility for veterinary
services resides with provincial or local governments. 151 There are increasing calls to make veterinary
services more accessible to low-income communities at local government level, as they may not have
the means to afford private veterinary treatment for vaccination, sterilisation, advice and disease
control. 152
Government’s commitments to veterinary services are directed at measures to provide food safety,
public health and community animal services. Such services are often rendered by para-professionals
such as veterinary nurses and technicians rather than by veterinarians. More recently the job of primary
animal healthcare worker was introduced to support government’s veterinary service programme. 153
The Department of Agriculture (DoA) adopted the Primary Animal Health Care Policy in South Africa in
2000 to broaden access to veterinary services in rural communities in a cost-effective manner and to
improve the health status and production of animals. Implementation is proving to be challenging
because the limited veterinarian resources in government are mostly located in urban centres. The DoA
may possibly consider the introduction of community animal health workers (CAHWs) once the animal
healthcare needs of the peri-urban and rural poor communities have been assessed. 154 According to the
SAVC, there is a great need for CAHWs to increase awareness for animal rights, welfare and protection
in impoverished communities where people focus on their own basic survival needs.
A number of strategies have been mooted in order to improve access to veterinary services and alleviate
skills shortages in rural areas. Firstly, the DoA may introduce a “zoning” policy when licensing
veterinarians so that they are compelled to establish practices in under-serviced areas. Secondly,
community service for veterinarians in the state veterinary service may be introduced. Thirdly, the state
could enter into contracts with rural-based veterinarians in private practice to provide public animal
healthcare services.
3.13 CONCLUSION
Demand for healthcare services, particularly in the public sector continues to grow in the midst of a
growing burden of disease and enduring shortages of health professionals. The scope, complexity and
diversity of the disease burden presents mounting challenges for service delivery and the health
workforce. Healthcare financing in the public and private sectors remains disproportionate to the
150 Paterson, A. 2008. “Veterinary Skills”. Human Resources Development Review 2008: Education, Employment and Skills in
South Africa
151 Paterson, A. 2008. “Veterinary Skills”. In Kraak, A. and Press, K. Human Resources Development Review 2008: Education,
Employment and Skills in South Africa.
152 Paterson, A. 2008. “Veterinary Skills”. In Kraak, A. and Press, K. Human Resources Development Review 2008: Education,
Employment and Skills in South Africa.
153 Paterson, A. 2008. “Veterinary Skills”. In Kraak, A. and Press, K. Human Resources Development Review 2008: Education,
Employment and Skills in South Africa.
154 Paterson, A. 2008. “Veterinary Skills”. In Kraak, A. and Press, K. Human Resources Development Review 2008: Education,
Employment and Skills in South Africa.
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