Madam Deputy Speaker, the ANC believes that there have been many achievements in improving access to health care. However, much more needs to be done in terms of quality health care. The Department of Health is to focus more energy on revitalising nursing colleges and creating a vibrant nursing education and training system.
The next focus for the Department of Health is to strengthen colleges. In this regard, the discussions with the Department of Higher Education and Training are at an advanced stage.
The department will identify the colleges with strengths that may be replicated throughout the system and which have an innovative approach to planning, management and student support. The two departments also agreed on the need for diversified nursing education and training, cutting across higher education and a further education programme level in the national qualification framework.
The ANC commends the Department of Health and the Department of Higher Education and Training on their efforts to revitalise nursing colleges, as this will ensure the improvement of skills in the health system as well as meet the national standards of quality care. I thank you. [Applause.]