NEDLAC CALLS ON THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL DIALOGUE

20 August 2004

The National Economic Development and Labour Council has called on the Department of Health to participate in social dialogue as part of the process of developing policy and regulations that will emerge from the recently promulgated National Health Act.

The call followed a presentation made to the Nedlac Executive Council (ExCo) meeting by the Acting Director General of the Department of Health Dr Chetty in Rosebank, Johannesburg earlier today.

The Executive Director of Nedlac, Mr Herbert Mkhize, said after the meeting that the ExCo had asked the Health Director General for her Department to participate as part of the structure and not as an external stakeholder.

Dr Chetty said during the presentation that the new National Health Act (NHA) provides a framework for the development of regulations for the sector. The Act is based on the broad policy principles of delivering a structured unified health service for all, improved access, equity in access, the setting of standards and the optimal utilisation of available health resources.

ExCo also agreed that a high-level meeting of Nedlac principles would take place within the next five working days to look to address concerns raised by labour in terms of the Banking Charter. Another meeting of principles would be held shortly to discuss issues arising from the strengthening Rand, including the refusal of four major retailers to sign a renewal to the Buy Local Campaign and the 111 percent increase in clothing imports from China.

Nedlac's Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Task Team was tasked by the Exco to develop guidelines on processes leading to the development of Charters in the different sectors aimed at ensuring the maximum meaningful participation of all social partners.

The Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana chaired today's meeting.

Issued by: National Economic Development and Labour Council

Enquiries: Herbert Mkhize

082 495 1341