Congratulations all! A Palliative Care Policy finds a much needed place in the South African Health System

The National Health Council has approved a Policy Framework and Strategy for Palliative Care for South Africa.

I am very thrilled to inform you that the National Health Council has approved the Policy Framework and Strategy for Palliative Care (NPFSPC).

I would like to thank the Steering Committee chaired by MEC Dhlomo for the work to achieve this and, in particular, to thank Sandhya Singh for being such a strong champion for palliative care within the DoH (Department of Health) – not only for this strategy but for the contribution towards the WHA resolution of 2014 which has spurred the development of the NPFSPC .

This has also been influenced by the exceptional care provided by hospices to patients and families requiring palliative care so please pass on my thanks to all hospice workers. I would also like to single out Zodwa Sithole and her tireless advocacy for palliative care that has influenced so many people in government and civil society, bringing together the Alliance for Access to Palliative Care and developing many palliative care champions.

It will be important to reflect on the role of hospices in supporting the implementation of the NPFSPC and this is a good time to be reviewing HPCA & Hospice strategy; so lots of good discussion to be had leading up to and during our strategic planning sessions.