Published: 30 August 2024

District health service delivery and the contribution of family physicians

Significance:
Most health care in South Africa takes place in the district health system. In the public sector, this includes primary health care and district hospitals. Although there have been improvements in health and health care, there are still inequities, many instances of poor quality, and weakness regarding community engagement and multisectoral action. Service delivery is currently challenged by budget cuts and loss of resources. Ongoing reforms are needed to improve performance and accommodate the introduction of national health insurance. The deployment of family physicians is an overlooked reform that can improve the model of care, quality, and resilience.

Published: 02/05/2024

From the President’s desk

Mid-April already!! There has been so much going on – I just want to highlight a few.

 The FP’s in private have finalized their position statement and are actively engaging with various medical aids around the issues of recognition, remuneration, access to specialist investigations and specialist formularies. The response from the medical aids has been really positive – they WANT to engage with Family Physicians – they REALLY like what we do and can see the benefit to patients and the potential cost savings from coordinated care, multimorbidity care, extended consultations, hospital at home etc. provided by FP’s. If you are a FP in private this is an initiative that you really want to join. Get in touch with Dr Sheena Matthews or Lucille for more details. [admin@saafp.org]

Published: 04/05/2023

From the President’s desk

Thank you for your hard work, personal time and efforts in making 2023 a huge success. When a team feels like a family, they work like a family and become a family. A few highlights below from 2023 and what to expect in 2024 and beyond. The South African Academy of Family Physicians wishes you a well-deserved break, enjoy the upcoming holiday season.

Published: 27/10/2023

From the President’s desk

Welcome everyone to this edition of our newsletter.

As the new President of the Academy, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the new members of the SAAFP council and to encourage participation from EVERYONE – this is OUR Academy – the new committee is here to serve but we want to know what you want and what you can contribute!!

Following the election in June 2023 the following EXCO member have been elected: Prof Tasleem Ras as Vice President, Prof Mergan Naidoo as treasurer, Dr Jenny Nash as spokesperson, Dr Sheena Matthews to represent the views of private Family Physicians and Prof Hanneke Brits.

We had a strategic planning session on Monday 16 October 2023 and have decided onto focus on the following area:

Published: 04/05/2023

From the President’s desk

The 25th Annual National Family Practitioners Congress

18-19 August 2023 – “Integrating Primary Care – creating a more connected health and care system”

Published: 02/03/2023

From the President’s desk

As I think of my contribution to the SAAFP newsletter, I am conscious that my letter “From The President’s Desk” was just published in the South African Family Practice Journal. In my short letter, I outline eight areas that we focusing on in 2023:

1. Advocating for family physicians in the public sector with national and provincial governments.
2. Advocating for family physicians in the private sector and through our Private Sector Forum
3. Developing skills in point of care ultrasound. We are launching a short course in collaboration with the Global Ultrasound Institute and have applied for a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to implement POCUS in maternal care.
4. Publication and dissemination of the 4^th edition of the South African Family Practice Manual – more below
5. Organising the National Family Practitioners Conference 17-19 August at the Wanderers in Johannesburg
6. Participating in the World Organization of Family Doctor’s global conference in Sydney, Australia 26-29 October.
7. Developing workplace-based training and assessment via training and accreditation of clinical trainers as well as implementation of an e-portfolio.
8. Electing a new National Council – please nominate people to be elected into Council.

Notice of election for the National Council for 2023-2026

Notice of election for the National Council for 2023-2026

Published: 21/10/2022

Advocating for our national position paper with the Department of Health

The SA Family Practice Journal recently published our new national position paper on family medicine. Since then, our national council considered how to disseminate it and engage with policymakers on our recommendations. As a result, we have met with the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, to discuss the position paper. Dr Tasleem Ras and Dr Jenny Nash, two of our directors, were invited to join the National District Health Services Technical Working Group. The group are looking at how to bring policy and strategy on the district health services up to date. We have also had interactions with Ms Jeanette Hunter who is responsible for health service management and Dr Nicholas Crisp who is responsible for NHI in the national department. In addition, we have engaged with Dr Kenny Jacobs the Chair of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health. We will keep you posted on how these multiple initiatives develop over time.

Published: 21/10/2022

South African Family Practice Manual [Latest edition due February 2023]

A practical, ‘how to’ guide of medical procedures conducted by family physicians
• Covers basic principles, equipment required and detailed explanation of medical procedures
• Simple, clear line drawings outline important skills
• Comprehensive and up-to-date coverage

Print ISBN: 978-0-627-03979-9

eBook ISBN: 978-0-627-039805

Publication date:  February 2023