Statement: Inaugural Meeting of the Western Cape Provincial Health Council

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Western Cape Provincial Health Council in Cape Town on Friday, provincial Health Minister, Pierre Uys, said that community participation and partnerships are critical success factors in meeting the challenges of improving health services in the province.

He welcomed the establishment of the Council provided for in Chapter 4, section 26 of the National Health Act as a major step in bringing together various elements of the health sector within a common goal of accessible, quality health care. President Mbeki promulgated the Act in May 2005.

The Council appointed by Minister Uys consists of the Head of the Department of Health, one councillor each from the City of Cape Town and five district municipalities, two representatives from SALGA and a representative from military health, tertiary institutions and private sector. The Minister chairs the Council.

The Council must advise the Minister on a range of issues including:

• policy matters that will protect, promote, improve and maintain the health of the Western Cape population;
• proposed legislation relating to health matters before it is introduced in the Western Cape Provincial Legislature;
• norms and standards for the establishment of health establishments;
• guidelines on the management of health districts;
• the implementation of national and provincial health policy; and
• perform other functions, which he may determine.

The Council is also empowered to consult with and receive representations from any person or organisation.

The following members will serve on the first Provincial Health Council for a period of five years:

• Cllr. Isaac Julies, West Coast District Municipality
• Cllr. Elize Visser, Central Karoo District Municipality
• Cllr. A. Solomons, Cape Winelands District Municipality
• Cllr. Phillipus May, Overberg District Municipality
• Cllr. Chris Grundling, Eden District Municipality
• Cllr. Nomsa Mlanjeni, City of Cape Town
• Prof. Gonda Perez, UCT
• Dr. Thomas Koorts, Private Sector
• Cllr. C. Ismail & Dr. Hans Steyn, SALGA
• Colonel B. Phike, Military Health
• Prof. Craig Househam, Head of the Department of Health

Minister Uys said that the Council is an instrument of co-operative governance and called on its members to interact with each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. He stressed the importance of the cooperative decision-making process and requested members to act in accordance with the decisions made by the Council.