The Department of Health made a presentation before the Committee on the state of readiness to implement the Harmonised Assessment Tool (HAT) and related matters. The department reported that it is not ready to implement the HAT to assess patients' eligibility for disability grants due to shortage of trained health professionals to use the HAT. The department will need to diagnose and treat patients with disabilities (as a matter course) and ensure easy access for patients to treatment for chronic illnesses. In order to provide the best care possible, there is a need to strengthen the Primary Health System in various ways. The department also reported that the key to strengthening the Primary Health Care is the provision of the primary care in an integrated manner. More time is required to improve services at Primary Health Care level and to improve access to such services.