Western Cape Health Minister Welcomes Withdrawal of "Certificate of Need" | Western Cape Government

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Western Cape Health Minister Welcomes Withdrawal of "Certificate of Need"

29 July 2014

The Western Cape Minister of Health, Theuns Botha, welcomes the withdrawal of the proclamation on the Certificate of Need in Sections 36 – 40 of the National Health Act of 2003.

“From the date that it was first mooted by the National Department of Health, we opposed this proclamation. We are grateful that the national minister responded to the extended and comprehensive objection from the health industry. ” 

In terms of Sections 36 to 40 of the National Health Act of 2003 promulgated in May this year, anyone who establishes, constructs, modifies or acquires a health establishment / agency requires a ‘Certificate of Need’.

“From the outset it was clear that this requirement would create additional red tape which would have a negative effect on the availability and accessibility of health services provided to patients, and also that the National Department of Health is not capacitated to enforce it.

The Western Cape Government encourages incentives that are aimed at supporting   medical professionals to establish clinics and related health services in under-serviced areas.” It is clear that the “Certificate of Need” requirement would have done the exact opposite as it would have served as a hindrance in this regard.

Media Enquiries: 

Hélène Rossouw
Spokesperson for Theuns Botha, Minister of Health
Tel: 021 483 4426
Cell: 082 771 8834
E-mail: helene.rossouw@westerncape.gov.za