TRC Final Report

Volume 5

Chapter 8

Subsection 27

Service users

89 The Commission recommends that:

CURRENT EFFORTS TO CREATE A PATIENTS’ RIGHTS CHARTER BE ENCOURAGED. THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, STATUTORY COUNCILS AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS BE REQUIRED TO ENGAGE IN ONGOING PROGRAMMES TO INFORM USERS OF HEALTH SERVICES OF THEIR RIGHTS AND OF WAYS IN WHICH COMPLAINTS CAN BE LODGED.

State health organisations (Department of Health and South African Medical Services)

90 The Commission recommends that:

THE DISPARITIES IN HEALTH CARE RESOURCE ALLOCATION BE REDRESSED, WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON THE DISPARITIES BETWEEN THE URBAN AREAS AND TOWNSHIPS, AS WELL AS BETWEEN URBAN AND RURAL AREAS. THIS COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH A ONCE-OFF TAX, OR SLOWLY OVER TIME.

ALL EMPLOYEES OF STATE-RUN INSTITUTIONS BE MADE AWARE OF THEIR DUTIES, OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS.

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS EXERCISE THE PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF HAVING FINAL AUTHORITY REGARDING DECISIONS AFFECTING THE HEALTH OF PATIENTS. THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IN SITUATIONS WHERE THE PATIENT IS INCARCERATED.

THE SANDF PROVIDE APPROPRIATE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH CARE FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM THE EFFECTS OF SADF ACTIONS OR PARTICIPATION IN THEM. SIMILARLY, SERVICES ARE NEEDED FOR THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN AND SUFFERED THE RESULTS OF OTHER STATESPONSORED OR LIBERATION MOVEMENT VIOLENCE.

ALL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES HAVE POLICIES THAT PROTECT AND PROMOTE:

DOCTOR–PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

CLINICAL INDEPENDENCE

INSTITUTIONAL INDEPENDENCE

PATIENT ADVOCACY