An assessment of South African policy and strategic framework for the development of a sufficient, equitably distributed and well-performing health workforce for the implementation of the National Health Insurance

The current policies and strategies are not sufficient to address health workforce challenges to improve performance, maintain appropriate skills, improve working conditions and ensure an equitable distribution of health workers to address the healthcare needs of SA. Commitment to the NHI should be matched with the capacity to deliver health services, which is highly dependent on the availability of a qualified and motivated workforce. The capacity to deliver services aligned to the objectives of the NHI will require that policy-makers consider interventions aimed at addressing challenges related to recruitment and limitation of career opportunities. Performance and productivity challenges may best be addressed by meaningful engagements and collaboration with the private for-profit, voluntary and independent sectors.