District eye care planning for the National Health Insurance
The Community Eye Health Institute (CEHI) developed a district eye care plan that is aligned with the National Health Insurance initiative of the South African Department of Health, using the tools, principles and techniques taught in our Community Eye Health courses. This was based on a district eye care situational analysis for Gert Sibande District in Mpumalanga, South Africa conducted in July 2013.
The process started with an initial consultation with the stakeholders to determine what was needed; a “Terms of reference” was drawn up and approval was obtained to do the fieldwork. The CEHI consultancy team worked closely with the provincial and district eye care coordinator in organising the fieldwork, collecting information and making observations relevant to the process. The team visited hospitals, clinics, schools and private eye care providers in order to conduct interviews with ophthalmic surgeons, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses, school health nurses and facility managers.
The team reported back to the stakeholders during a two day workshop held in Badplaas, Mpumalanga. More than 60 members of the Provincial Eye Care Programme and 18 members of the Provincial School Health programme participated in this workshop. After obtaining their input and ownership, they worked together to draft a District eye care plan.
The aim and purpose of the plan is to facilitate the provision of effective, efficient and accessible eye care services to the people of Gert Sibande District to bring about increased social inclusion of blind and visually impaired people to improve their overall quality of life.>
The draft plan was circulated amongst key eye care team members of the district and the province, and feedback was incorporated where appropriate. In January 2014 the team, which included the Provincial Eye Care Programme Manager and the District Eye Care Coordinator, presented the plan to the Director of Health Services, Gert Sibande District. Mr Minnies of CEHI led the presentation of the plan, which was received very favourably by the district management. There were strong indications that much of the budget provisions would be adopted at a forthcoming strategy meeting. Hopefully, the plan and its budget will be accepted, approved and endorsed by all the stakeholders, implementation can commence.
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