THE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

In view of the objective that all recommendations of the panel have a factual basis, we found it difficult to support some of the recommendations made on the basis of flawed analyses, or misinterpretation of the analyses. [...] 1 That said, we are supportive of a number of the final recommendations made by the HMI, in particular those relating to the improvement in quality and outcomes measures, in the private sector, and the full enforcement and implementation of regulatory requirements, which have been insufficient over the years. [...] While SAMA is actually in support of the improvement of regulation of both of these aspects of the private health sector, we are dubious of the improvements these structures will bring given the failures of the existing regulatory authorities. [...] SAMA attributes at least some of the growth in the number of private practitioners to push factors from the public sector, and the progressive decrease of posts in the public sector in recent years (Figure 1), as presented on the basis of PERSAL (Personnel Salary System) and government expenditure. [...] This was following an unsuccessful bid by the Board of Healthcare Funders to request the court to issue a declaratory order on the interpretation of the words "pay in full" in Regulation 8(1) of the General Regulations made pursuant to the Medical Schemes Act, 131 of 1998.