Chapter 2 - P rogramme 1 - Department of Defence

| Chapter 7 - Programme 5: Military Health Support |
The SAMHS increased recruitment and training
of operational emergency care practitioners as a
priority over the next five years. The required 1 000
hours’ practical training of operational emergency
care practitioners has also benefited the provincial
hospitals where they do their practical training, thus
contributing to alleviating the national shortages
of health practitioners. The effectiveness of the
SAMHS specialised training, inter alia Battlefield
Advanced Trauma and Life Support, was illustrated
in non-combatant circumstances. The SAMHS
members’ professional training and applicability
of associated military training was proven. The
value of managing healthcare professionals with a
proper command and control system and discipline
was paramount in operations, as provided during
the public service labour action. The ability of the
SAMHS to stabilise this situation was acknowledged
by Cabinet and Parliament. The Minister of Public
Service and Administration stated: “The SANDF
proactively shapes the future of our nation in
accordance with the South African Constitution.”
The Minister of Defence praised those who took
part in rendering humanitarian aid during the labour
action in his address at the SANDF medal parade
on 2 November 2007.
The activities of the financial year reflect the
Government imperatives as interpreted in the
guidelines of the Minister of Defence, the Secretary
for Defence and the Chief of the SANDF for the
financial year. The result is a clear contribution to the
Government action plans, including the Accelerated
Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa. As
an integrated conclusion, it can be stated that the
Annual Report FY 2007 - 2008 144
| Department of Defence |
SAMHS has shown growth and development during
FY 2007/08 compared with previous financial
years.
Purpose
The Military Health Support Programme provides
prepared and supported medical combat support
elements and services.
Measurable Objective
To provide prepared and supported military medical
health capabilities, services and facilities that meet
the requirements of Government in support of the
defence of South Africa.
Outputs
The Military Health Support Programme provides
medical combat support and other medical services.
It maintains military health and training facilities,
including specialist facilities such as the Institutes
for Maritime and Aviation Medicine. There are
seven subprogrammes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Strategic Direction
Mobile Health Support
Area Military Health Service
Specialist/Tertiary Health Service
Product Support Capability
Base Support Capability
Military Health Training Capability
Table 7.1 Military Health Support Programme Outputs for FY 2007/08
Details of the Military Health Support Programme’s
outputs are shown in Table 7.1.
Output Performance Measure Target Actual Achievements
Subprogramme Strategic Direction
Strategic Direction Implementation of Full implementation The target was fully achieved as all policies,
Capability
DOD policies, strategies
strategies and plans were implemented as
and plans in respect of
specified. A Directorate HIV and AIDS
military health matters
was established in the Office of the SG to
provide policy guidelines on HIV and AIDS
to all commanders.
Expenditure of allocated
budget as planned
100% The allocated budget was 100% spent.