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| Portfolio Committee on Health | |
|---|---|
| Name | Portfolio Committee on Health |
| Chamber | National Assembly |
| Legislature | Parliament of South Africa |
| Jurisdiction | South Africa |
| Formed | 1994 |
| Leader title | Chairperson |
| Leader name | Nil |
Portfolio Committee on Health The Portfolio Committee on Health is a parliamentary committee in South Africa tasked with oversight of the Department of Health (South Africa), scrutiny of health legislation, and engagement with public health institutions such as the National Health Insurance (South Africa), National Health Laboratory Service, and the Council for Medical Schemes. The committee operates within the Parliament of South Africa and works alongside entities including the Minister of Health (South Africa), provincial Gauteng Department of Health, Western Cape Department of Health, and civil society organisations like the Treatment Action Campaign and the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Its work intersects with notable figures and institutions such as Dr Zweli Mkhize, Aaron Motsoaledi, Naledi Pandor, and organisations like the South African Medical Research Council and Doctors Without Borders.
The committee’s mandate derives from the Constitution of South Africa, the Public Finance Management Act, and parliamentary rules, requiring it to supervise the Department of Health (South Africa), monitor implementation of policies such as the National Health Insurance (South Africa), review regulations under the Medicines and Related Substances Act, and assess programmes affecting the South African Nursing Council, South African Dental Association, South African Pharmacy Council, World Health Organization, and the United Nations Children's Fund. It carries responsibilities for budgetary scrutiny under the National Treasury (South Africa), evaluation of performance against the Health Professions Act, and liaison with provincial health departments including KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health and Eastern Cape Department of Health.
Membership consists of Members of Parliament from parties represented in the National Assembly of South Africa such as the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance (South Africa), Economic Freedom Fighters, Inkatha Freedom Party, and Freedom Front Plus. Leadership positions have been held by MPs who collaborate with parliamentary officials, committee advisers, and legal experts from institutions like the University of Cape Town and University of the Witwatersrand. The chairperson coordinates with ministers such as Joe Phaahla and engages with professional bodies including the South African Nursing Council and the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Through oversight, the committee examines department annual reports, audit findings by the Auditor-General of South Africa, and budgetary submissions to the National Treasury (South Africa). It exercises powers to summon witnesses from entities like the National Health Laboratory Service, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies including the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the Council for Medical Schemes. The committee’s oversight has involved interactions with accountability mechanisms linked to events such as the Life Esidimeni tragedy and investigations involving figures like Lindiwe Sisulu and Brian Hlongwa.
The committee has participated in deliberations on major statutes and policy instruments including amendments to the Medicines and Related Substances Act, frameworks for the National Health Insurance (South Africa), and revisions to the Health Professions Act. It has engaged with research institutions such as the South African Medical Research Council and international bodies including the World Health Organization and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria on initiatives addressing HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis programmes, and has considered health policy inputs from universities like Stellenbosch University and University of Pretoria.
The committee conducts public hearings, compiles reports, and initiates inquiries into matters such as procurement irregularities connected to the COVID-19 pandemic and personal protective equipment contracts, engaging law enforcement agencies like the National Prosecuting Authority and anti-corruption bodies such as the Public Protector (South Africa). It has produced oversight reports referencing audits by the Auditor-General of South Africa and expert testimony from clinicians affiliated with institutions like Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and Groote Schuur Hospital.
Regular interactions include meetings with the Department of Health (South Africa), provincial health departments, statutory bodies such as the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, and non-governmental organisations including the Treatment Action Campaign and Section27 (organisation). The committee engages professional associations like the South African Medical Association, unions such as the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union, and international partners including the World Health Organization and the United Nations on collaborative health programmes and emergency responses.
Since its post-apartheid reconstitution, the committee has been central to oversight during critical episodes: the rollout of antiretroviral treatment influenced by advocacy from the Treatment Action Campaign, responses to the COVID-19 pandemic including scrutiny of procurement, inquiries following the Life Esidimeni tragedy, debates over the implementation of the National Health Insurance (South Africa), and engagements with ministers like Aaron Motsoaledi, Dr Zweli Mkhize, and Joe Phaahla. It has interfaced with courts such as the Constitutional Court of South Africa on matters of health rights and worked with research centres including the Health Systems Trust and the Human Sciences Research Council.
Category:Parliamentary committees of South Africa