Our Challenges
WITHIN HEALTHCARE
ABOUT THE DISCOVERY FOUNDATION
Understanding the challenges in our healthcare sector
To understand the key areas of concern and need in South Africa’s healthcare sector, the Discovery Foundation commissioned independent and in-depth research. The aim of the research was to understand what medical skills and expertise are needed to give disadvantaged communities access to better healthcare – and what steps are needed to keep those skills and develop them further.
LACK OF SKILLED MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
South Africa does not have enough skilled medical professionals in all areas of healthcare to meet its people’s needs.
LACK IN TRAINING
The country is not training enough people to address the gaps, although government is starting to address this issue.
NO QUICK FIXES
Medical education is a long and expensive process, so it is not to use quick fixes to address the problem.
FEW SKILLED SPECIALISTS
There are not enough skilled and experienced specialists to teach medical skills.
URBANISATION OF SPECIALISTS
Medical skills are concentrated in urban areas and medical specialists are leaving the rural areas where they are most needed.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
There are several environmental issues– such as working and living conditions – that contribute to these problems.