The HSRC noted that, according to a study conducted by the University of Cape Town, service conditions in the public sector were not vastly different from those in the private sector. But, the HSRC reported that there are problems in the public health sector and funds are needed to address these problems. The HSRC also noted that the 2009 MTBPS did not provide adequate funding to address the quality of service in the public health sector. Another challenge was the skills flight as doctors and nurses leave South Africa for other countries. The amount allocated for the Occupational Specific Dispensation was welcome with the understanding that it would retain the health professionals in the public sector. However, the HSRC indicated that there has always been under-funding of the public health sector and this has resulted in the poor quality of health services. The 8.6 per cent increase in the health budget is insufficient given the under-funding that has happened over a long time.