Implementation of Legislation: Community service for doctors and termination of pregnancy

The maldistribution of health personnel within the health system in South Africa is well documented. The fewest doctors are found in areas where the need is greatest. To improve the supply of professional health personnel in under-served areas, the Ministry of Health, after consultation with the various professional bodies and interested stakeholders, introduced compulsory community service for doctors in 1998.

Despite all the efforts made by the Department of Health (DoH) to consult, community service for doctors was conceived amid controversy.

Community service has, however, emerged as a symbol of the commitment of the health department and medical establishment to equity in the health services.

The main objective of the DoH in introducing community service is to ensure improved provision of health services to all the citizens of our country. In the process this also provides our young professionals with an opportunity to develop skills, acquire knowledge, behaviour patterns and critical thinking that will help them in their professional development.

There are however other issues that it is hoped this policy will address.