HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM

The country's health care system has gone through several distinct periods in terms of
restructuring. Between 1994 and 2004 the health care system underwent a period of post‐
apartheid reconstruction. This was followed by a period between 1999 and 2004 that was
characterized by a period of changing disease profiles. The period from 2004 to date has
seen an expansion of primary health care services, and today, in 2013, significant health care
reforms are underway.

FUNDING
A good health financing system raises adequate funds for health, in ways
that ensure people can use needed services and are protected from financial
catastrophe or impoverishment associated with having to pay for them. Health
financing systems that achieve universal coverage in this way also encourage the
provision and use of an effective and efficient mix of personal and non-personal
services.

AGENCIES
Adcock Ingram, Life Healthcare Group, Mediclinic International, and Netcare.

MORTALITY
According to statistics from WHO, South Africa has a maternal mortality ratio
of 310 deaths per 100,000 lives births. But it is really access and utilization of
antenatal care services that most influence pregnancy outcome, child
survival and maternal health.

MORBIDITY
Ambulatory primary care is dominated by non-communicable chronic
diseases. HIV/AIDS and TB are common, but not to the extent predicted by the
burden of disease. Pneumonia and gastroenteritis are commonly seen especially
in children. Women's health issues such as family planning and pregnancy
related visits are also common. Injuries are not as common as expected from the
burden of disease.

HEALTH ISSUES
Healthcare profile, Aids and other poverty-related diseases such as
tuberculosis and cholera place a tremendous strain on South Africa's health care
system. According to Statistics South Africa, in 2011: The overall HIV prevalence
rate was 10.6%.

NURSE-PATIENT RATIO AND MD-PATIENT RATIO

According to 2010 statistics of the South African Nursing Council, in
2006 South Africa had a ratio of 3:2:1:4 for ENA:EN:RN/M:SRN/M. Each of these
categories has a circumscribed role and a mandated scope of practice in the
service, which are not interchangeable.
South Africa has a public healthcare system that provides services to the vast
majority of the population, though it is chronically underfunded and
understaffed, and there is a private system that is far better equipped, which
covers the wealthier sectors of society.

SALATY GRADE FOR NURSES

A Registered Nurse (RN) in Johannesburg (the largest city in South Africa)
earns an average salary of R203,621 ($14,229) per year.