Closing Remarks by Deputy President David Mabuza at the Presidential Health Summit, Birchwood Conference Centre, Ekurhuleni

Programme Director,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Delegates,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
  
As this Presidential Health Summit draws to a close, we can say with confidence that it has fulfilled – and even surpassed – many of the expectations we had when preparing for it.
 
It has drawn together a remarkable cross section of South Africans – and many of our international partners – to grapple with a challenge that is fundamental to the happiness and prosperity of our people.
 
With so many conflicting demands on your time, your presence here is testament to your passion and commitment to the health of the people of this country.
 
Through the engagements we have had over the last two days, we have been able to identify challenges and develop solutions to improve the health system in South Africa.
 
We have had to confront difficult realities and acknowledge shortcomings, because it is only through honest reflection that we are able to produce effective remedies.
 
In truth, we have not merely been grappling with a struggling health system, but with the burden of a history that has denied so much of the basic needs of life to so many.
 
Our health system is a product of our past and a mirror of our present.
 
In recasting our health system, we are helping to reshape our society, understanding that we are engaged in a far broader struggle for the fundamental transformation of our economy and our country.
 
We approach our task understanding that health is not merely a function of hospitals that are properly staffed, clinics that are well equipped, health professionals that are effectively trained, and medicines that are available and affordable.
 
We know that health is also a function of whether a person has a house, if they have clean water and decent sanitation, if they are employed, if they have enough for their family to eat, if they feel safe and secure, if they feel a sense of community and belonging.
 
And so, as we work to build a health system that is worthy of the name, we are determined to ensure that we attend to all facets of the economic and social development of our people.
 
This Summit has set us on a new path towards the provision of quality health care for all. The path we have chosen is irreversible. We are at the point of no return. We must be bold, determined, and focused on the goals of equality and universal health coverage for all.
 
Brick by brick, we must build this house together. We must walk this journey together, side by side, with all our partners gathered here today to ensure that the vision of a unified health system is achieved in our lifetime.
 
It is a dream that can no longer be deferred for the majority of the poor and down-trodden whose everyday struggles are unbearable as they seek to access quality health care.
 
This Summit has reinforced our belief that an integrated, multi-sectoral approach that draws on the capabilities and resources of all social partners is pivotal to realise the Constitutional right of universal access to health care services.
 
As the Presidency, we plan to use the outcomes of this Summit as a springboard to dramatically improve the health system in preparation for the implementation of the NHI.
 
We have heard over the last two days the voices of those who work at the frontline of health care delivery.
 
While some have lamented the state of things, most have sought solutions, and all have expressed a commitment to move forward.
 
We are fortunate in that we are not alone in many of the challenges we face. The lessons we have learnt from the World Health Organization among others are instructive as we plan our version of universal health coverage. 
 
Emerging from this Summit, we intend to develop a compact among all key stakeholders, including government, health providers, academics, health system users, labour, private sector and civil society.
 
This compact will provide guidance and assist in the implementation of critical tasks, such as updating the quality improvement plans for all our health facilities to ensure a better service experience for all our citizens.
 
It will assist with the development of a human resource operational plan to allow us to correct the deficiencies in the system.
 
In the short term, government will prioritise the filling of critical vacant posts to stabilise shortages in key areas of our health system. In the context of fiscal constraints, provinces will be expected to prioritise their  financial resource allocations in a manner that ensures that the delivery of quality health care is not compromised.
 
More importantly, this Summit pointed out that we need to develop a sustainable financing model for our health system. We will commence with this task immediately. National Treasury will be seized with this task to ensure that this model is finalized within a short space of time.
 
As we lay a solid foundation for the implementation of the NHI, government will prioritise the upgrading and maintenance of health infrastructure to deal with the challenges of ageing and dilapidated infrastructure.
 
We will support the implementation of the health facility management plan to ensure that hospitals and clinics are upgraded and maintained.
 
We will seek to draw on this compact as we fast-track the licensing of all health facilities in readiness for implementation of the NHI.
 
This Summit is the beginning of a new phase of cooperation and collaboration in undertaking the critical tasks that are needed to turn our health system around.
 
We will confront many challenges along the way. At times, we will disagree. But, for the sake of the South African people, we will remain committed to the fulfilment of this great responsibility.   
 
As we close this Summit, it remains for me to thank all who participated for robust and productive deliberations, for the spirit in which they have been conducted, and for the dedicated focus on the task at hand.
 
On behalf of the Presidency, and the President in particular, I want to thank you all for coming to this Summit. 
 
May this be the beginning of a rich and fulfilling journey towards a transformed, accessible, equitable and quality health care system in South Africa.
 
I thank you.