Just like this broken home, our healthcare system mimics the structure of something that was once whole or has never achieved wholeness. It cannot provide you with the adequate service because it has too many weaknesses. The lack of a roof and windows represents patients’ vulnerability to external elements, such as contracting other illnesses, while within a public hospital for example. Patients cannot feel secure within this system because it is unsafe and unpredictable. The South African health department has established National Core Standards (NCS) which aims to improve the quality of care in institutions all over the nation (Coetzee, Klopper, Ellis & Aiken, 2013). However, this does not seem to be the view of the public as long queues, insufficient staff and limited resources are eventualities that face any patient in a public hospital.
This house can represent the minorities and disadvantaged members of the community as well. There is a clear lack of universal health coverage and accessibility to all members of society. Millions of South Africans, mainly the low and middle class sector are unable to access health care they need. Access barriers to health services include, far distances and high travel costs, high out-of-pocket payment for care and disempowered patients to name a few (Harris et al., 2011). However, the most important factor preventing equal access to health is affordability. Health care inflation is rising and is several times higher than general inflation. This is largely because of higher personnel and pharmaceutical costs, together with the over-treatment and overuse of health services, particularly in the private sector (Shisana et al,. 2006). This inequality of care leaves many seeking assistance even in the poorly maintained public hospitals and clinics all over the country.
The patient’s need for healthcare supersedes their dissatisfaction with the services provided by the public healthcare system. The palm trees (in the image) is a familiar depiction of paradise or ideality. The patient’s ideal experience is juxtaposed with the harsh reality of the broken healthcare system. This is not only the view of patients but of the health care professionals as well. There is a high percentage of nurses that are not satisfied with the practice environment and rate it as poor or fair (Coetzee, Klopper, Ellis & Aiken, 2013). With the dissatisfaction in their job, how can patients be receiving care to the highest level? South African public hospitals may not be aesthetically pleasing but it provides crucial services to those who desperately need it, though at a lower standard.
Reference:
Coetzee, S., Klopper, H., Ellis, S., & Aiken, L. (2013). A tale of two systems—Nurses practice environment, well being, perceived quality of care and patient safety in private and public hospitals in South Africa: A questionnaire survey.
Harris, B., Goudge, J., Ataguba, J., McIntyre, D., Nxumalo, N., Jikwana, S., & Chersich, M. (2011). Inequities in access to health care in South Africa. Journal Of Public Health Policy, 32(S1), S102-S123. doi: 10.1057/jphp.2011.35
Shisana, O., Rehle, T., Louw, J., Zungu-Dirwayi, N., Dana, P., & Rispel, L. (2006). Public perceptions on national health insurance: Moving towards universal health coverage in South Africa. South African Medical Journal, 96(9), 814-818.
One thought on “Is this house a home? – A look into South Africa’s Health Care System. Chelsea Powell”
A well written assignment. The text and picture have a good connection and reflect the topic of the assignment well. You describe the patients view on the South African health care system well by using the symbols in the picture throughout the text. Perhaps your text could be a little longer and include more than one reference. I liked your text and it gave me insight to the South African Health care system.