Parliament, Wednesday, 14 October 2026 –The Portfolio Committee on Health adopted its Budgetary Review and Recommendations Report (BRRR) on Wednesday, incorporating amendments proposed by Members during its deliberations.
During the deliberations, Members expressed concern about the exclusion of traditional medicine from the Department of Health’s budgeting and planning processes. They noted the lack of a dedicated budget allocation for traditional medicine and traditional health practitioners, despite millions of South Africans relying on traditional healthcare practices. Members said inadequate financial support undermines efforts to integrate indigenous healthcare systems into the broader healthcare framework and limits progress toward inclusive universal health coverage.
The committee also raised serious concerns about medicine stock-outs at healthcare facilities across the country, particularly reports of patients being unable to access essential medicines, including chronic and life-saving treatments. Members emphasised the need for urgent intervention and called for dedicated engagements with provincial health departments, Members of Executive Councils (MECs) and Heads of Department. These engagements should provide the committee with facility-level medicines stock reports and outline measures being implemented to address shortages.
The future and sustainability of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) also came under scrutiny. The committee recognised the NHLS as a critical institution within the healthcare system and emphasised the need to safeguard its operational and financial stability. Members cautioned that any weakening of the institution could have serious implications for healthcare delivery and called for measures to strengthen its governance, improve infrastructure and address outstanding debts.
Members further emphasised that the revitalisation and sustainability of the public healthcare system must remain a priority. They stressed that strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving service delivery and supporting critical institutions such as the NHLS should proceed alongside broader health reforms, including the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI).
The importance of improving oversight and accountability mechanisms was also highlighted, with Members emphasising the need for effective monitoring of departmental performance, implementation of recommendations and resolution of persistent challenges within the health sector.
In addition, Members expressed concern that the national policy framework on palliative care had not been adequately updated or effectively implemented. In view of the growing number of patients living with life-limiting illnesses, including children requiring specialised care, the committee agreed that the implementation of palliative care policies should be closely monitored moving forward to ensure that affected patients have access to appropriate and quality care.
The BRRR report was adopted with amendments reflecting issues raised by Members during the deliberations. While the report was adopted by the committee, some members indicated that they would subject the report to further consideration within their respective party caucuses.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MS FAITH MUTHAMBI.
For media enquiries or to arrange interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Ms Yoliswa Landu
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Email: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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