What will I do differently the next time I write an essay?
My arguments tend to be abductive, which is that they support their conclusion via reference to the best explanation. Abductive arguments are intended to give only probabilistic support for their conclusions. Therefore, I think it would be a good idea for me to have some deductive arguments that give conclusive support to their conclusions and shows a clear stance that I have taken concerning the topic.
As citizens of a democratic state, what do you think you could be doing to improve the provision of health services in South Africa? What role do you feel you could play in holding those we have elected into power responsible for their actions?
I feel that because I have no legislative power the best thing would be to vote for leaders who align with my values and are focused on making the necessary improvements to the health system. To hold them accountable would mean them losing their jobs and facing criminal charges for violating the right of all to healthcare services.
Week 10: Reflection
This week the modules were about Leadership and governance. What stood out to me this week was learning the functions of the different tiers of government, which are the National, Provincial, and Local. The role of National Government, has the executive, legislative and judicial branches. Each branch works individually and collectively to establish and maintain laws for the country as a whole. The Cabinet of Ministers, which is appointed by parliament along with the President, acts as the executive committee of the government and each Minister is the political head of a government department. The Presidency coordinates the work of the government and provides direction and strategic support to ministers and departments. The presidency monitors and evaluates overall progress toward achieving government goals. The departments that the Ministers run develop policies, by preparing and initiating legislation which it submits to the parliament for approval. Each department is responsible for implementing policies and running the administration of the respective government departments. The executive must account for its actions and policies to parliament.
The national assembly and the National Council of Provinces are the two Houses that make up the national legislature or parliament. The people of South Africa elect the members of these Houses. According to the constitution, each house has its district functions and powers. The national assembly is in charge of choosing the president, making laws, making sure that the members of the executive branch do their jobs correctly, and providing a place where people's representatives can talk about issues in public. The national council of provinces serves as a forum for discussion of issues affecting the provinces and is also involved in the legislative process. Its primary goal is to make sure that provincial interests are taken into account at the national level.
The provincial government has legislative and executive powers alongside the powers of the National Government, over several issues. One of the issues is health care. This ties in with the ability of the provincial government to oversee District Health Systems. “The National Health bill, 2001, established a Provincial Health Authority (PHA) which consists of the provincial Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Health, the Councillors responsible for health in the Metropolitan and District Councils in the province, and a representative of the provincial local government association responsible for health. In addition to the requirements of the Bill, there is a stipulation that the Bill must be augmented by specific provincial health legislation that provides for the establishment of a District Health System in that province.” (Barron & Asia 2021) Local government is more in charge of providing essential services such as water and sanitation, waste removal, and lights.
Learning about the levels of government and who is in charge of what as a future health professional has helped me realize that the government would need a long time to improve the quality of healthcare services offered to communities as a whole. As the government implements solutions to improve the South African health system, I will be more patient with them.
Reflections:
Barron, P & Asia, B 2021, The District Health System, www.hst.org.za, viewed 1 November 2022, <https://www.hst.org.za/publications/South%20African%20Health%20Reviews/08%20-%20Chapter%202.%20The%20District%20Health%20System.pdf>.
Civics Academy SA, 2016. What is Government? Available at: https://www.youtube.com/embed/DLDStQ3P5Ag?rel=0 Links to an external site. (Last accessed: 01 November 2022).
Levendal, E., Ogle, A. 2016. Understanding the meaning of Health Governance and the Role of PHC Facility Governance Structures. Available at: https://www.hst.org.za/hstconference/hstconference2016/Presentations/finhstconfgovernance_03.05.2016_.pdf Links to an external site. (Last accessed:01 November 2022)
I have changed the typography to the requirements listed, however, it may not show well so I have attached the word document below.
Comments