Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
Divorce, Maintenance, Personal Injury, Medical Negligence
A recent research compiled by the World Health Organisation indicated that in 2012 we had a shortage of doctors in South Africa relative to many other countries. For every 10 000 people that live in South Africa there were only 7,6 doctors whereas by comparison there were 27,7 in the UK.
In short, there are four times more doctors, relative to the population in the UK than there are in South Africa, five times more dentists in the UK and whereas they spend on average $1 765,00 per capita on health, we spend $240 a year. The good news was that we beat Zimbabwe – they have 0,6 doctors per 10 000 people, so they are 27 times worse off than the UK. I don’t think Zimbabwe is the most ideal benchmark for us, but it is a worrying sign that we have lost so many doctors and dentists and other medical specialists in our country and even when we do Road Accident Fund work, we notice a tremendous shortage of specialists in the various categories in South Africa and as a result not many of them are prepared to do medico legal work and work involving court which obviously takes more of their time. If there were a lot more specialists, this would be much less of a problem than it is.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Tuesday 04-Jun-13
Post a Comment
Comments
mbuti makelefane said:
on Saturday 08-Mar-14 09:06 AM
Will there be still shortage of doctors in South Africa in ten years time?
Bianca said:
on Wednesday 19-Jun-13 12:23 PM
Very scary and sad stats here. Perhaps if working conditions / training facitilities or training on the whole were better, we would not be in this position.
Henrietta said:
on Tuesday 11-Jun-13 08:49 AM
This is really sad considering that our health is very important and I agree with Cherise. Some is really under qualified and they still get to be doctors. how will we know if and how qualified doctors are? how many times have you heard about "Doctors" not really being doctors and that is only a handful that has been exposed....... Really sad
Lourien said:
on Tuesday 11-Jun-13 08:03 AM
The biggest problem is that even though we have 7,6 doctors available for every 10 000 people, it doesn't mean that they are the best qualified in their field... we dont just need more doctors but well trained and qualified doctors.
Thabitha said:
on Monday 10-Jun-13 04:53 PM
I agree with Tanya they must investigate what is the problem of them living the country, I dont think anyone would love to stay in Zimbwabe.
Sundome said:
on Friday 07-Jun-13 07:44 AM
The shortage of doctors in South Africa is scary, and most the doctors doesn't really care about the patients, its all about making money just like Alexis said. Most doctors wont listen to you and just prescribes whatever they think you need and the more you tell them that is not what's wrong, that's not the medicine you need the more they prescribe it.
Alexis said:
on Friday 07-Jun-13 07:39 AM
We, as far as I know have very good experts. The problem is whether they decide to stay in this country - which most do not. I think that you are more valued in other countries than you are here. It is no excuse as clearly all you care about is the money when you should be caring for the patients who need you
Joyce said:
on Tuesday 04-Jun-13 04:12 PM
Doctors shortage in South Africa it is indeed worrying
Juliet said:
on Tuesday 04-Jun-13 12:35 PM
The training in SA is horrific. My friend had to deliver on average 5 babies a day in the bush for 2 years. She is now emigrating. Wonder why.
Sorea said:
on Tuesday 04-Jun-13 12:25 PM
To add onto Tanya: They should maybe also try and ensure that the conditions under which the doctors train are improved and that they have the equipment needed. It would also help if their future prospects in the public medical system is tolerable and their salaries and overtime is paid on time and not deferred because the government cannot (or will not) pay them.
salomie said:
on Tuesday 04-Jun-13 12:22 PM
Its hard to find doctors that knows what they are doing and having the shortage will definitely in pact the medical profession sooner or later. I think that the training doctors get in SA is much more of a variety then anywhere else, and that why they get offered more when they immigrate.
Tanya - The T said:
on Tuesday 04-Jun-13 12:21 PM
Maybe they should investigate the route of the problem and rethink the candidates selected for studies in this field and look at how many of those students become specialists or even how many of them remain in SA after completing their studies.
Julie said:
on Tuesday 04-Jun-13 09:37 AM
Zim has Mugabe - they don't NEED a dental surgeon - why spend money on dental expenses if you can have your teeth knocked out for FLEE...
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
