BETWELL Xiviti's letter "Now it is Motsoaledi's turn to impress us" on September 7 refers.

Xiviti's views show that he shares, with Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, an urgent need to address the country's health challenges.

In the past three months, almost all the new ministers have had to hit the ground running.

Within days of his appointment,Motsoaledi had to deal with the issue of occupation-specific dispensation involving pay disputes as well as H1N1.

He held a press conference explaining how he intends to deliver health services.

The department has adopted a Health Roadmap, also called the 10 Point Plan. These are:

Provision of strategic leadership and creation of social compact for better health outcomes;

Implementation of the National Health Insurance;

Improving the quality of health services;

Overhauling the system to improve its management;

Improved human resource planning, development and management;

Revitalisation of health infrastructure;

Accelerated implementation of the HIV- Aids strategic plan and increased focus on TB and other communicable diseases;

Mass mobilisation for better health for the population;

Review of drug policy; and

Strengthening research and development.

The plan was designed to deal with the issues systematically and in a sustainable manner.

Bhungani Mzolo, Deputy director: Department of Health