This has been an eventful year for palliative care in South Africa as it now has a National Policy Framework and Strategy in South Africa. This Policy document recognises the contribution hospices have made in establishing palliative care in South Africa as well as the importance of hospice care as we move towards integrating palliative care into the health system.

The opening reception was welcomed by radio host and the MC for the evening, Relebogile Mabotja, who started the evening with a few songs. This was followed by an opening address by Dr Sibogeseni Dhlomo, MEC for Health in Kwazulu Natal who highlighted the significance of the NDoH Policy Framework and Strategy for palliative care. HPCA’s brand ambassador, Lucas Radebe together with other palliative care “champions” were presented with a special bracelet and badge for their valuable input in raising awareness for palliative care.

The Symposium covered various topics which included Clinical Palliative Care, Adherence Strategy and Ethics just to mention a few. The Gala Dinner was one of the highlights as Malik Jaffer was the special guest speaker for the evening, followed by entertainment by the singing waiters.

From 1980, South African hospices have been providing quality compassionate palliative care to people needing care. HPCA is proud to support these remarkable organisations through advocacy, training, quality assurance and reporting on their work to ensure that hospices are sustainable and can continue to provide quality palliative care.

Check out some of the pics on our Facebook page : https://goo.gl/KCn8tF

We would like to acknowledge and thank the following who have sponsored and supported the symposium:

·        PMA (Prosperity Management Africa)

·        Janssen Pharmaceutical companies

·        Netto Invest

·        BD

·        Next Level Design & Print

·        Lazanou