Legislation

"Compassionate health care in the service of Christ"

There are many laws governing the provision of health care and of medicines in South Africa.   Some of these are still in the process of being legislated.

Many of these laws can be downloaded from the Internet: 

The National Health Act No. 61 of 2003.  See Department of Health's website at : http://www.doh.gov.za/docs/legislation-f.html

The Nursing Act No. 33 of 2005.  See Polity website at : http://www.polity.org.za/pdf/NursingAct33.pdf

The Health Professions Amendment Bill is presently under discussion.  See the Parliamentary website:  http://www.parliament.gov.za

The Traditional Health Practitioners Act No. 35 of 2004.  See Department of Health's website at : http://www.doh.gov.za/docs/legislation-f.html

The Medicines and Related Substances Act No 101 of 1965, as amended by Act 90 of 1997, see the SA Pharmacy Council's website at:http://www.pharmcouncil.co.za/documents/ACT 90 of 1997.pdf

These laws each have an impact on the operation of Catholic health facilities.  For example, anyone dispensing medicines has to apply for a licence. 

There are other health related Acts also available on the Department of Health website at: http://www.doh.gov.za/docs/legislation-f.html

Policies

The Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Care, Management and Treatment Plan of the Department of Health is available at:http://www.doh.gov.za/docs/hivaids-progressrep.html