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The application of self adhesive surface electrodes makes using electrical stimulation devices simple, easy and quick.  There is no need to strap on the electrode to keep them in place.  The high quality material used to make up the PALS electrodes ensures an even distribution of electrical current for maximal comfort and the least amount on skin irritation.

PALS® Platinum Electrodes combine a patented stainless steel knit fabric and gel construction with an exclusive impedance compensation system.

Designed for all FES and TENS applications, PALS® Platinum Electrodes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Special features of the Blue PALS® Platinum Electrodes …

• Best gel choice for extremely sensitive skin
• Designed for TENS and muscle stimulation applications
• Used over hairy areas – ability to reach down to the skin

PROFFESSA Health Services offers a next-day delivery service for all electrode orders.
Click here to place your order.

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We have all heard about the National Health Insurance (NHI) plan for South Africa.  Following the release of the Green Paper on National Health by the Department of Health in August 2011, it would be worth while to take stock of the progress made so far, what challenges are still faced, and in what direction we are moving in going forwards.

Financing the NHI

The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has been actively engaging with the public across many platforms, including radio, the press, conferences and more.  Submissions made by the public in response to the Green Paper are being looked at.  The next document due for release is the White Paper.  This is eagerly anticipated, as more details regarding the financing behind the NHI needs to be understood.  It is anticipated that financing the NHI will come from a one or more of the following revenue streams:

• An additional Payroll Tax to the employers
• An increase in the VAT Rate
• A surcharge on the Taxable Income of individuals

SA Treasury is planning to release a discussion document by the end of April 2012, outlining the government’s proposals for meeting the funding gap for NHI.  This has been estimated to run to R6bn for the 2014-15 fiscal year.

NHI Pilot Projects

Funding for the current Pilot Projects has come from the national budget, with R1 billion being set aside for the pilot projects and an additional R1.26 billion donated by the European Union.  Additionally, KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has volunteered to pilot a third district from its own budget for which it has earmarked R110 million.

A detailed audit of 94% of all health facilities (3900 completed out of the total 4200) has been conducted, where the following key issues have been evaluated:

• Infrastructure
• Financial Management
• Cleanliness and infection control
• Safety and security
• Drugs and stock-outs
• Long queues
• Staff attitudes

Following the detailed audit, and the determination of where best the pilot sites will serve the public, based on Socio-economic, Health Service Performance and Financial and Resource Management indicators, the following pilot sites have been identified.  The initial phase of the NHI will role out to these areas in April 2012:

• Eastern Cape        OR Tambo
• Mpumalanga         Gert Sibande
• Limpopo                 Vhembe
• Northern Cape      Pixley ka Seme
• Kwa-Zulu Natal     uMzinyathi
• Kwa-Zulu Natal     uMgungundlovu
• Western Cape       Eden
• North West             Dr K Kaunda
• Free State               Thabo Mofutsanyane
• Gauteng                  Tshwane

This will cover just over 10 million people initially.

So where to from here with the NHI?

I believe from what we are seeing, that the NHI is certainly here to stay.  It is being rolled out as we speak.  The principle behind universal care for all South Africans, regardless of their ability to pay can only be supported by those of us with any sense of humanity.  The World Health Organisation has developed guidelines in supporting the principle internationally.  There are 16% of us that are able to purchase the healthcare that we require.  It is the remaining 84% that the NHI is focussing on.  The level of basic care that will be afforded to those who fall into the 84% is yet to be seen.  Funding will determine the level healthcare offered, but let us at least offer them cover for basic healthcare, including:

• Children’s vaccines
• Child-health services
• Maternal and reproductive health services
• Laboratory and Blood supply services
• Medicines, cleaning materials, infection control and food services
• Essential equipment, its maintenance as well as infrastructure maintenance

These have all been described as Non-negotiables by the Minister of Health, and are to be protected against under-funding.

So what can the private sector do to embrace and support the NHI?

• Re-engineer the way you think about healthcare – Prevention and Promotion, RATHER THAN Curative and Hospi-centric
• Explore alternative reimbursement models – we may see a shift from the standard fee-for-service model to a capitated fee for example
• Prepare yourself for more regulation in the pricing of private healthcare
• Explore ways in which you can partner with, and engage in the NHI

Remember the Gautrain.  Remember the World Cup stadiums.  Remember the New South Africa.  A lot more can be achieved than we give ourselves credit for.

Be a part of the process.  Be realistic.  Be positively realistic!

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How is the act Enforced?

The act is enforced by the South African Human Rights Commission, and is part of a global drive towards freedom of information.  Access to your information needs to be through the correct channels, by completing an application form, and submitting this to your Information Officer.  In the case of medical practices, it would most likely be the owner of the practice, or one of the partners can be assigned as the Information Officer.  We as medical practitioners have been exempt from the earlier deadline.  The deadline for practices with a turnover of less than R5 million, or less than 50 employees was to expire at the end of December 2011.  This deadline has however been extended further to the 31st December 2015.  This is good news for those who have to date not completed their PAIA manual and submitted this to the SAHRC.  It is however still a requirement, and should be completed in due time.

The document is most certainly not very complicated to put together, but after some searching, and a few attempts at trying it myself and for some of my clients, I came across a web service which does a great job, and ensures full compliance with the Act.  They even submit the final manual to the SAHRC on your behalf.  I have completed the process with in 20 minutes, from the on-line information capturing, to the final invoice and document submission, and can vouch for them.  So for a streamlined, on-line process in getting your  PAIA Manual, visit the site by clicking here.  And all it costs is R199!

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