| Summary |
Health services in South Africa are undergoing a period of evaluation and
restructuring with the aim of improving equity and access. It is recognized that the
existing public sector health services are inadequate especially at the primary care
level, and that private sector services are not affordable for the vast majority of South
Africans. In addition to restructuring and developing public sector services, the
potential role and contribution of the private sector in responding to the health care
needs of South Africans has received attention (Committee of Inquiry into a National
Health Insurance System (CINHIS), 1995 McIntyre et al, 1995). Proposals for the
redistribution of private sector health resources, which will improve accessibility to a
broader section of the population, have been under consideration (CINHIS, 1995).
The CINHIS has recommended that a package of services be purchased from
accredited private provider groups to augment public sector services where necessary
and appropriate. However these recommendations are largely at a general level
especially with regards to mental health professionals, and many points will require
further clarification. |
| More Details |
Access to mental health care remains far from equitable, with geographical factors
and financial imperatives rather than need, determining access. Sharp discrepancies
exist between the sectors with respect to populations served, services rendered,
personnel and funding structures. There is little information available on private
sector mental health services, utilization rates, demographic and service need profiles
of service users, and the availability and distribution of professional personnel. This
study attempts to respond to these data deficiencies and provides some preliminary
expenditure dataonp rivate sector providers of mental health services in the Western
Cape. Relevant aspects of the structure and financing of mental health service South
Africa and elsewhere, will be briefly reviewed before reporting on the study findings. |
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| Keywords |
This Item is associated with the Following
Keywords: Mental health. |
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