National HR Plan Development Update on Process of Developing a National Human Resource for Health Plan Dr Percy Mahlathi - 24 May 2005

Introduction A Human Resource for Health Plan is a long-term project geared to be dynamic in nature to ensure that planning is able to respond to pressures and stresses to the health system thus positively influencing production & provision of health professionals.

Introductory comments Good approach to planning therefore necessary Must provide good relevant guidance to provinces & private health sector in providing necessary human resources Health professionals forming the core of health human resources But human resources for health not limited to health professionals

Approach – General Comments Took into considerations challenges faced Identified need to build strong foundation for HR planning in health Need to develop a common national agenda for human resources for health – public & private health sectors Strategic Framework for HR Planning is a major policy document – NHC adoption critical before public release for further debate

Approach – Specific Steps Development and fine-tuning the concept Stakeholder consultation: 18 & 19 Nov. 2004 Health Summit: 2 – 3 December 04 Development of Strategic Framework Internal Departmental discussion and consultations Presentation to the National Health Council

Approach (continued) WHO HR Toolkit for Developing Country HR Plans used as a major reference point Drafted as precursor to finalising the National HRH Plan To guide the development / modification of Provincial HRH Plans Reference point for private health sector & education sector

Issues to Note – Some Lessons from Public Debates Relating to HR Plan HR planning is not about number crunching National and global trends have direct impact on health professionals world-wide Important to make distinction between policy making process and making available health professionals at health facility level Private health sector is not immune to HR shortages and related challenges

Overview: Some of the Areas Covered Stewardship for Health Care Debate on the Norms and Standards Scan of Policy and Legislation Trends Impacting on HR for Health Outstanding Business – the challenges Majors Pillars of HRH Plan Strategic Framework for HR Plan Action Plan

Major HRH Pillars M & E System Policy & Planning Management Leadership HRH Plan HRH Research HRH Information Systems HRH Production

Trends Impacting on HRH Disease Education Technology Social Economic Political

Framework - Guiding Principles Stewardship for Health Care Role in International Health HR Planning & Development Distribution & Use of Health Professionals Supply for Self Sufficiency Contribution to Global HRH Capacitating of Health Workers Conducive Work Environments

Expected Areas for Debate Introduction of new health training categories Debate on Norms and Standards Training targets & who should be targeted Migration – internal and global Funding of Health Education and Training

Strategy to engage Short to medium term action areas to realize the strategic objectives (encompassing work already under way) Targeted approach on various aspects: Production Development Management Dealing with expectations

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