SOUTH Africa and Swaziland have agreed to share healthcare services. This follows the signing of a health agreement between the two countries in Pretoria on Monday.
SOUTH Africa and Swaziland have agreed to share healthcare services. This follows the signing of a health agreement between the two countries in Pretoria on Monday.
The agreement binds both countries to help each other in the health sector when the need arises. It was signed by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, pictured, and his Swazi counterpart Benedict Xaba.
Departmental spokesperson Fidel Hadebe said: "The purpose of the agreement is to develop and expand co-operation in the health sector between the two countries.
"It further supports the activities and obligations under the Protocol on Health in the Southern Africa Development Community region.
"Among some of the key aspects of the agreement are technical, professional education and training of health professionals, sharing of experience in research and development, twinning between public hospitals in the two countries and special medical care and health services, including patient referrals," he said.
Motsoaledi emphasised the need for countries in the region to work together in confronting and resolving healthcare challenges.
"Our challenges in the region are similar. They include the high burden of disease such as HIV and Aids. Both countries also have a problem of limited human resources for health," he said.
Xaba extended his country's appreciation on South Africa's decision to enter into such an agreement.
SA-Swaziland in health pact
SOUTH Africa and Swaziland have agreed to share healthcare services. This follows the signing of a health agreement between the two countries in Pretoria on Monday.
SOUTH Africa and Swaziland have agreed to share healthcare services. This follows the signing of a health agreement between the two countries in Pretoria on Monday.
The agreement binds both countries to help each other in the health sector when the need arises. It was signed by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, pictured, and his Swazi counterpart Benedict Xaba.
Departmental spokesperson Fidel Hadebe said: "The purpose of the agreement is to develop and expand co-operation in the health sector between the two countries.
"It further supports the activities and obligations under the Protocol on Health in the Southern Africa Development Community region.
"Among some of the key aspects of the agreement are technical, professional education and training of health professionals, sharing of experience in research and development, twinning between public hospitals in the two countries and special medical care and health services, including patient referrals," he said.
Motsoaledi emphasised the need for countries in the region to work together in confronting and resolving healthcare challenges.
"Our challenges in the region are similar. They include the high burden of disease such as HIV and Aids. Both countries also have a problem of limited human resources for health," he said.
Xaba extended his country's appreciation on South Africa's decision to enter into such an agreement.