While the association acknowledges the positive move, it has stressed the necessity of ensuring that the funds are used in a way that truly benefits the most impoverished communities.

The SA Treasury has outlined plans to increase health spending from over $15 billion in the current financial year to nearly $18 billion over the next three years. Additionally, $1.5 billion will be allocated towards retaining the 9300 healthcare workers in hospitals and clinics. The funds will also be used to employ 800 post-community service doctors, alongside covering the cost of medicines.

Faisel Suliman, a Spokesperson for the IMA, recognised the fiscal challenges the government faces in balancing its budget. He pointed out the financial pressures caused by limited revenue, as well as the government's responsibility to fill the funding gap previously covered by international partners. This includes financial support for HIV and other vital health programmes, which were once funded through political and diplomatic influence. The shift in funding now places extra strain on the national healthcare budget.

“We understand the constraints on the budget given the expenditure and limited income, and the fact that the government also must make up the shortfall that it previously received from the United States in terms of soft power and political leverage, especially for funding HIV and other healthcare programmes. This shift is putting a lot of strain on the health budget, but we also know that management is crucial in ensuring that the funds are allocated and used in a way that will deliver to the poor,” Suliman said.

--ChannelAfrica--