The Hospital Association of South Africa learned with delight of the appointment of Dr Zweli Mkhize to the portfolio of health after the recent announcement of the Cabinet following the general election. In a letter, HASA Chief Executive Officer wrote to the new Minister, “As you take up the reins at the critically important Department of Health, we wish to extend a warm welcome to you as we look forward with great confidence to working collaboratively with you and your team towards increased access to quality healthcare for all South Africans.”
He added, “We are certain that your insights, experience, and knowledge will be crucial in building on the momentum established to address the common challenges faced by all stakeholders in healthcare through recent interventions such as the Presidential Health Summit, the Jobs Summit, and the Public-Private Growth Initiative.”
Dr Bomela noted that he and the HASA Board were looking forward to sharing with the Minister some of the exciting progress that has been made possible in engagements with various institutions in healthcare, including the Gauteng Department of Health, and at the operational level between public and private hospitals.
“We are committed to further and future engagements, to collaboration, and to play a role in assisting the Minister and his Department to address the many challenges we face as a nation. Some may appear insurmountable, but we believe that working collaboratively, we can successfully build a health system that delivers access to quality healthcare for all in our beloved country,” said Dr Bomela.
Dr Mkhize takes the reins from Dr Aaron Motsoaledi who held the portfolio for the last ten years during which time he worked tirelessly and with indefatigability to overcome HIV and TB in South Africa and across the globe, earning admiration and awards for his work.
According to Dr Bomela, South Africa has a great deal to be thankful for to Dr Motsoaledi as his term of office was characterised, even in difficult moments, as one of total commitment to the health and wellbeing of all South Africans.
