Close to 350 health care professionals and stakeholders from all across the province attended a two day summit in Bloemfontein which took place on the 29 & 30 September 2014. The summit focused on a turnaround strategy for improved health outcomes.

Emma Belot, CaSIPO (Care & Support for improved patient outcomes) Provincial Manager of the Free- State was delighted with the outcome, especially the attendance of the different departments which included the National Department of Health, Department of Education , Department of Social Development, Department of Tourism & Economics, University of the Free- State and MEC’s.

“The purpose of this event was for the Provincial Government and Department of Health to hold discussions with stakeholders to develop a turnaround strategy to improve health outcomes. It was also an opportunity for all to get a deeper understanding of the role of the CaSIPO programme within the province” she said.

Andre Wagner, CaSIPO’S Chief of Party had an opportunity to do a presentation on the CaSIPO programme and how the integration of Comprehensive Care and Support – Palliative Care (CCS-PC) will contribute towards strengthening healthcare outcomes. He congratulated the Free State Department of Health on holding such an inclusive event where everyone is acknowledged for their role in providing South Africans with improved quality healthcare. 

Other issues addressed during the Indaba included programmes on burden of disease; health care financing; health personnel training, development and deployment; and infrastructure support. Free State Health MEC Benny Malakoane said that the department intends using the platform to come up with a clear vision for the future.

“We have invited our stakeholders. We are talking to municipalities and our partners to come together so that at the end of the day, we must come up with a way forward on where we want to take the department,” he said.