National health budget cut: What does this mean for the Western Cape?

There have been many questions regarding the national public sector budget shortfall and how it will impact health services in the Western Cape. The public health system will remain under pressure for the next 3 to 5 years as a result of significant cuts to our budget.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is doing all that it can to mitigate these cuts to our budget and can now confirm the following budget details for the current 2024/25 financial year.

When considering the department’s R30.4 billion budget, there is a real shortfall of R807.866 million this financial year. This, in essence, means the department can offer fewer services compared to last year. After absorbing previous cuts to the budget, this R807 million shortfall puts further additional strain on a system which is already under pressure and providing services to an increasingly uninsured population, with increasing healthcare needs. 
 

We need your help

Despite this significant funding challenge, the department remains committed to continuing to provide quality health services to the residents of the Western Cape.

The department is reducing costs on the one hand, while trying to increase revenue on the other. Cost savings are expected to come from streamlining services and through innovative approaches to healthcare. The department is exploring a number of relationships to potentially bring additional resources into its system, to supplement our government and donor fund allocations, while we continue to advocate for additional funding. 
 

Staffing and service levels

The department is carefully considering the filling of essential posts, while keeping current staffing levels constant. Significant service cuts are unlikely, but certain services will be limited, meaning longer waiting times for some services.

This is a deeply unfortunate and unavoidable consequence of increased demand with a restricted budget allocation. 
 

Levels of care – use health resources with care

Clients and communities are urged to access the appropriate level of care within the healthcare system. Please do not visit the emergency centre with minor conditions, this increases waiting times for all our clients. There is a referral and appointment system for non-emergency cases which allows clients access to the appropriate care for their individual health needs.

Our teams in local geographic service areas will continue to do resource planning based on the local health care needs of people in the areas they serve.

It is very important that patients and communities assist the department by safeguarding their own health and wellness. By taking care of their personal wellness and making healthy lifestyle choices, communities can assist the department in protecting our health care system. 
 

It is important now, more than ever, to ensure that we use our health care services as effectively as possible. This includes accessing the appropriate level of care to ensure we protect our acute and emergency services.