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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. Trends Impacting on HRH
Disease
Education
Technology
Social
Economic
Political

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. End