Health Sector Planning and Performance Monitoring: The Case of Northern Cape Department of Health, South Africa
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Eshetu Worku, Northern Cape Department of Health, Kimberley, South Africa.
The National Development Plan (NDP 2030) of South Africa which is broadly anchored with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2030) has been adopted as an overarching guiding plan for the country’s long-term all-inclusive socioeconomic development. Within the health sector, a long and healthy life for all South Africans is articulated. This is an opportunity and a challenge to the health sector to adequately respond to the country’s development needs as placed by the SDGs and NDP. Yet health sector performances are sub-optimal and targets have been profoundly affected thereby. A number of factors have contributed to this performance. This study aimed to understand the current practices in performance planning, monitoring and reporting as well as the key challenges that are contributing for sub-optimal level of performances in health sector in order to recommend improvement strategies. Both quantitative and qualitative data collecting methods through the use of structured interviews, review of secondary documents, and focus group discussions used to gather information. Quantitative data was gathered using structured questionnaires conducted online via Department’s GroupWise email network. A total of 118 predetermined performance targets that were set for 2016/17 financial year in the Northern Cape department of health were monitored. The study results showed that close to half (46%) of the predetermined targets were not achieved. Limited capacity to develop evidence-based integrated plan, poor progress monitoring system, inadequate resources to each target, and inefficiency in the use resources are identified as major bottlenecks to ensure success. Well integrated health plans, i.e., long-term, medium-term strategic, annual performance and operational plans backed with adequate resources and an effective progress monitoring system in place are vital for successful translation of the vision into reality. Formulating effective health plan where population health at the centre requires an integrated Health in All Policies (HiAP) and balanced approach between bottom-up and top-down planning strategies.
Integrated Plan, Performance Indicator, Monitoring, Public Health, Resources
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