Public healthcare financing

Abstract

The fifteen minute pre-recorded show, ‘Public healthcare financing’, was produced by WWMP, in conjunction with labour journalists in east and southern Africa. The show examined the lack of public health care financing in Africa in the context of health worker shortages, poor working conditions for health workers, provision of medicine for tuberculosis and AIDS, and poor access to care for patients (long queues, poor facilities, lack of equipment etc), as well as the impact of the current global economic crisis and neo-liberal government policies. The show discussed the purpose of the Abuja 15% target agreed by African heads of state, and discussed financing mechanisms (tax funding and health insurance) appropriate to funding public health care. Content for the show was provided by EQUINET in terms of questions to be asked and suitable candidates for interview, as well as by drawing on WWMP’s labour networks in Africa to secure additional interviews. The pre-recorded 15 minute slot had voices from South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Ghana. Guests included: • Di McIntyre for EQUINET/ Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town • Barbara Ruiters, a South African health worker • Lydia Cairncross, surgeon at Groote Schuur Hospital • Harriet Kapyepye, National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives in Malawi • Mark Haywood, South African National AIDS Council • Bongani Lose, Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) • Nyasha Muchichwa, Labour and Economic Development Research Institute of Zimbabwe • Mavis Mpangele, a South African health worker • Role Ordija, the Nigerian Labour Congress • Kwabena Otoo, Ghana Trade Union Congress • Percy Moleke, Office of the Presidency, South Africa.