Socio-medical indicators of health in South Africa
Jinabhai, C.C.; Coovadia, H.M.; Abdool-Karim, S.S.
International Journal of Health Services Planning Administration Evaluation 16(1): 163-176
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7314 PMID: 3957510 DOI: 10.2190/jtnm-2d1h-8tk8-63dvDocument Number: 343406
This report evaluates the effects of race discrimination on the health status of South Africa using a socio-medical indicator system derived by WHO. The indicator system consists of 4 categories: health policy indicators, social and economic indicators related to health, indicators of provision of health care, and health status indicators. Political commitment is essential for the attainment of health for the population; the government of South Africa is committed to 3 different options influencing health, all described in detail. Budget allocation is an objective measure of commitment; 3.2% of the GNP was spent on health in 1981, and only 2.2% of the total health budget is devoted to preventive medicine. Absence of democratic structures for all to express needs and demands results in racially biased allocation and distribution of health services. Social and economic indicators relating to health include rate of population increase, gross national product, income distribution, work conditions, literacy rates, housing needs, and food availability. Indicators of basic health status include nutritional status, child mortality rates (15.6/1000 for Africans, 1.1 for whites) and life expectancy at birth (for black males 45.0 yrs and for black females 47.3, for white males 65.5 and white females 71.9). In order to achieve health for all, action is needed at the political level to eliminate apartheid, and at policy and decision making levels, to improve living and health conditions.