The distribution of health needs and services in South Africa

The authors recognize that social, economic and political factors play a larger role in determining public health policy than do epidemiological principles such as the analysis of needs, demand and supply. Nevertheless, demographic and mortality statistics, information from the 1983 registers of medical and dental practitioners, and that of nurses, as well as information on hospital beds were reviewed to describe health care requirements and resources in South Africa. The maldistribution observed in health needs and services closely parallel the divisions in South African society imposed by the apartheid policy. It is concluded that fundamental political change is required to reduce this maldistribution. The provision of preventive and promotive health services for children in African rural and peri-urban areas was identified as a health care requirement of high priority. It is thought that the need in these geographical regions might best be met by employing primary health care workers at a lower level of training than doctors with an accessible, supporting referral system. In addition, the quality of health care data being collected needs to be improved. It is suggested that both these problems be approached on a regional basis, and preferably under a single health authority, rather than the current fragmented health service.