Health Budgetary Review and Recommendations Report

Meeting report

Budgetary Review and Recommendations Report of the Department of Health and entities
The Chairperson welcomed all Members and outlined the process to be followed in reviewing the recommendations of Budgetary Review and Recommendations Report (BRRR). He further asserted that once adopted, the BRRR and its recommendation will form part of the parliamentary oversight processes on the affairs of the Department and its entities.  

Ms E Wilson (DA) proposed the Report be adopted as a true reflection of the deliberations in meetings held between the Portfolio Committee, national Department of Health and its entities. She further urged the Committee to consider formulating stringent monitoring mechanisms in order to ensure implementation of the recommendations by the Department and its entities.

Mr T Munyayi (ANC) seconded the adoption of the Report however he also asserted that the Office of the Health Ombud (OHO) does not have adequate independence since it is tied to the Office of Health Standard Compliance (OHSC). He suggested the Department must be called to discuss the legislative reforms relating to the aforementioned matter.

Ms Wilson supported urging that the independence of OHO is paramount and everything must be done to ensure the independence of the office.

Dr S Thembekwayo (EFF) raised that matter of a need for an update from the national Department of Health on the delivery of new health infrastructure as was stated in the 2018 State of the Nation Address.

Dr P Dyantyi (ANC) supported the calling of the Department to report on the two critical piece of legislation, one relating to National Health Insurance and the other relating to the legislative reforms in relation to the OHO.

The Chairperson reported that Ms S Gwarube (DA), who could not attend the meeting, indicated to she would like to make some substantive additions to the report in writing. In the main the aforementioned Member adopts the report

The Chairperson supported the need for an update on the delivery of the new health infrastructure. He further urged the Committee staff to translate the recommendations of the BRRR into an action plan with clear outlined timelines for the monitoring of each of the recommendations. This must be done to facilitate the ease of monitoring by the Committee.

The Report was adopted.

NHI Public Participation
The Chairperson said the Committee had received suggestions on where it should visit during the public hearings on the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill. It was decided that the NCOP would visit different areas to the Portfolio Committee in order to cover more ground – the NCOP hearings would occur after those held by the Portfolio Committee. The districts in the provinces identified were approached to provide the Committee with the adequate spaces which can hold up to 400 people and which is easily accessible for those coming from surrounding areas. The hearings would take place over the weekend (Friday – Monday). The Committee would err on the side of caution in setting the dates. The hearings would not take place under marquees or tents as the weather was unpredictable. The Committee would visit a mix of both urban and rural areas – in the urban areas, people from the rural areas could be bussed in. It would be extremely difficult to deny people from entering the venue when the space full. Rather, those making submissions would be allowed to do so and then could leave thereafter. There is security which would assist and guide the Committee in this regard. No food will be served in the venues – it would be problematic to cater for example 400 people, and 1 000 showed up. When bookings are made for Members, this cannot be easily changed unless there is an emergency, for example, a bereavement, which cannot be anticipated.  Members were pleaded to bear this in mind as they would be travelling in groups.

Ms Wilson commented that it was vitally important to remember that the purpose of public hearings is to get all stakeholders to participate across the board. The Committee needs a list of venues in order to reach everyone even though there was talk of bussing in. There must also be a mix of urban and rural areas. The Committee cannot simply go where it suited certain people to add support while other areas did not get this opportunity. She heard the point of erring on the side of caution on setting dates for the weekend but having worked in a rural constituency, she knew it was difficult to attract people on a Saturday and Sunday. She cautioned that security would be needed as people drink over the weekends – it would be a struggle to get people out and deal with people partying the night before. The Member experienced this. Additionally it would be the weekend of a pay day and people would not turn up more so because there would be no food at the venues. The Committee must question if it is defeating the objective.

The Chairperson responded that the information on the exact locations might not be immediately available – identifying the districts was a start. From there, the exact locations will be identified.

Dr Thembekwayo said she would only be able to join the group from 16 November. Another EFF Member will be available before then.

Mr Munyai welcomed the hard work done by the team. It is important not to pre-empt things before they start – in this regard he disagreed with Ms Wilson. If people were serious about the legislation, they would come out and make a meaningful contribution. If in an area there was a Member who wanted nearby groups of people to be picked up, he was sure there would be such flexibility given the practicability of the kilometre radius. There are public participation teams from Parliament who are there to mobilise people – as part of this, people can be advised not to drink if coming to the venue. It is very important for the hearings to be orderly. It is important for Members to be positive about the task. He approved of what was put forward for consideration.

The Chairperson explained the inclusion of weekends for the hearings was to accommodate more people.

Dr Dyantyi supported the hearings even though it was painful to sacrifice one’s weekends with one’s family and Mondays with one’s constituencies. The provincial legislatures also have outreach so the Committee should share its schedule with them. It would be really nice if the Committee could go to all districts. She was happy to see that some of the metros have been covered.

The meeting was adjourned.