- View Public Works Review Could Reshape Public Healthcare, Says Expert Currently reading
Top
Healthcare News | NHI
Public Works Review Could Reshape Public Healthcare, But Unlikely to Impact NHI Rollout
Time to read: 01:22
Published: 28 March 2025
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s proposal to review remunerative work outside the public service (RWOPS) could improve public healthcare but also pose challenges.
Motsoaledi attributed doctors’ lateness and absenteeism in public hospitals to RWOPS misuse but dismissed concerns that stricter regulations would drive them out of the sector. RWOPS allows public-sector doctors to work privately with departmental approval. He believes a stricter policycould improve public healthcare by increasing doctor availability in state hospitals, reducing surgical backlogs, and ensuring fairer treatment across private and public sectors.
Speaking to the Citizen earlier in the week, SAMA board chairperson Dr Angelique Coetzee noted, “If there’s a stricter RWOPS policy, it could mean fewer doctors spending time in private practice and more focus on public healthcare.” She added that better oversight could prevent doctors from prioritising private patients at the expense of public-sector duties.
However, Coetzee warned that excessive restrictions could lead to a loss of skilled professionals, as many specialists rely on RWOPS for additional income. “A restrictive review could push them to leave the public sector entirely, leading to a brain drain as doctors seek better-paying opportunities abroad or in full-time private practice,” she explained (The Citizen).
Potential reforms include mandatory reporting of private practice hours, limiting RWOPS to certain specialisations, and enforcing stricter accountability measures. Salary adjustments, student loan forgiveness, and other incentives could help retain doctors in the public system.
Coetzee also highlighted issues with the Occupation-Specific Dispensation (OSD), which aimed to retain public-sector doctors but has not adequately addressed salary disparities. While OSD has improved pay for some, specialists remain uncompensated, exacerbating staff shortages.
Ultimately, while RWOPS and OSD reforms could impact doctor retention, they are unlikely to affect the rollout of National Health Insurance significantly.
This article was compiled with information obtained from various sources including:
21 March 2025 | Citizen | Will review of public sector doctors working in private hospitals lead to better healthcare or brain drain?
Access the News Archive
Disclaimer
This article is compiled from various resources researched and compiled by the contributor. It is in no way presented as an original work. Every effort has been made to correctly attribute quotes and content. Where possible all information has been independently verified. The Medical Education Network bears no responsibility for any inaccuracies which may occur from the use of third-party sources. If you have any queries regarding this article contact us
Fact-checking Policy
The Medical Education Network makes every effort to review and fact-check the articles used as source material in our summaries and original material. We have strict guidelines in relation to the publications we use as our source data, favouring peer-reviewed research wherever possible. Every effort is made to ensure that the information contained here is an accurate reflection of the original material. Should you find inaccuracies, out of date content or have any additional issues with our articles, please make use of the contact us form to notify us.
