South Africa: Public Health in SA - the Good, the Bad and What You Can Do About It

DR. ATIYA MOSAM says public health services in South Africa are not all bad, but South Africans have a responsibility to demand the sector improves. When I tell people that I still (voluntarily) work for the public health service, I am usually met with a dumbfounded stare. Then comes the question, "Why?". Seven years post graduation, I am no longer surprised at these reactions, nor do I blame anyone for responding this way. The common perception of the public sector is that of a failing system, a dysfunctional, poor quality healthcare delivered by truly unpleasant healthcare workers. And I won't dispute that in many instances, this perception is true.

I have seen both sides of this story. I have seen the bad: The lack of equipment and drugs, the sheer exhaustion of health workers, the nurses who shout self- righteously at teenagers, the doctors who crudely deliver bad news. I have seen it and ashamedly, at times, I have seen it in myself.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.