Deputy Chairperson, if I may proceed?
In conclusion, the department is in the process of conducting an assessment to determine the readiness of health facilities to expand the distribution of ART in line with the national Department of Health's guidelines.
Readiness is determined in terms of the availability of suitable structures and equipment; the availability of professional nurses with a primary health care qualification and with a dispensing certificate; the availability of pharmacists to procure and distribute the ARVs; the availability of dieticians to conduct nutritional assessments and recommend appropriate supplementation; the availability of ARV drugs in accordance with the new drug regimens of the Department of Health guidelines; and the training of all health professionals on the new treatment guidelines and the HIV and Aids counselling and testing policy.
It is anticipated that the assessment process will be conducted by the end of March 2010. Thank you.