Health System reform in South Africa

The burden of disease has ushered in a concept of health system strengthening which has motivated governments to commit to ensuring equitable access to health care by reforming their health systems. The South African health sector reform was however triggered by political and economic changes, rather than change due to the huge burden of diseases since health policies of the apartheid regime created an inequitable and fragmented health system. The South African National Health Insurance (NHI) policy is set to radically change the entire health care system in order to equitably provide quality health for all. Policy implementation is however entirely dependent on how key policy actors like nurses understand and implement it.However,their views have not been adequately captured given the inherent political nature of this policy discourse. This book has captured nurses' perceptions on the NHI policy since their comprehension informs their practice methods in implementation which might fall within or outside the confines of the policy objectives. The findings of the research conducted make significant contributions to health policy development and education of nurses.

Autorentext

Promminence Nkomo is a child care and protection expert whose interests lie in health policy and developing evidence-based public health programs focusing on strengthening health systems for the benefit of maternal and child health in Africa. He holds a Master of Public Health and Social Work degrees.