pharmaceutical services

This report describes the background, implementation and completion of the first evaluation for this project. Aspects of both PHASES 1 and 2 were investigated.

This report is intended primarily for health managers in KwaZulu-Natal, and all those involved in the collection of ReHMIS data. The information was obtained from ReHMIS, a health management information system implemented by the KwaZulu-Natal ReHMIS team. Data was collected from all health facilities (public and private),and related to available resources, and the nature and extent of services rendered. As standardised national definitions were used, the information is comparable across regions and across provinces in South Africa. Background information about KwaZulu-Natal relates to boundaries, populations and administration. Maps and tables of population distribution are provided as reference material. The report is placed in the context of decentralisation, the move toward equity, reorientation to primary health care and the health priorities of the Reconstruction and Development Programme, as these are the prime tasks facing managers.

This report is intended primarily for health managers in Northern Province, and all those involved in the collection of ReHMIS data. The information was obtained from ReHMIS, a health management information system implemented by the Northern Province ReHMIS team. Data was collected from all health facilities (public and private), and related to available resources, and the nature and extent of services rendered. As standardised national definitions were used, the information is comparable across regions and across provinces in South Africa.

During mid-September, the Health Systems Trust held a three day health systems research conference. This event provided the opportunity for health systems researchers from all over the country to present their research. One of the benefits of the conference came from the immense diversity of participants and their projects. There were new researchers, who were attempting research for the first time and highly experienced researchers with established international reputations. This allowed considerable exchange of ideas and networking between the participants. Projects ranged from those looking at the services of a single clinic or hospital, to those which looked at the whole health systems in South Africa. Despite this diversity, there was one theme that brought them all together. This was their common vision to provide relevant information to decision makers, which will ultimately transform South Africa's health services, to one which meets the needs of all South Africans.