Question NW3568 to the Minister of Health
24 October 2022 - NW3568
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether, given that 11% of South African adults now live with diabetes (details furnished), of which Africa has the highest prevalence, and noting that a recent study shows that screening for diabetes-related complications at primary healthcare clinics is very low and that when persons develop complications, it places a greater burden on the already overstretched health system, his department has a plan in place to implement measures to improve screening coverage for persons with diabetes in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) how does his department intend to implement measures to improve screening coverage, particularly within rural healthcare clinics?
Reply:
1. Yes. The Department’s plan to improve screening is informed by the National Strategic Plan for the prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases 2022 – 2027 which includes implementation of the National Non-Communicable Diseases Campaign as well as to strengthen existing initiatives on screening. Some of the measures amongst others include screening for diabetes and other conditions during community events organised by the department. Screening is also conducted at facilities to identify those clients or patients who may be diabetic but are unaware of their condition and those who are diagnosed but are at risk of developing complications. Screening and management of patients are informed by evidence based clinical guidelines and tools including Adult Primary Care and Standard Treatment Guidelines which are updated on a regular basis. These clinical guidelines capacitate health care workers on provision of routine care, when and how to screen for complications and to refer patients, as required.
2. Measures to improve screening coverage, particularly within rural areas are contained in the National Strategic Plan for the prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases 2022 – 2027. Through the National Non-Communicable Diseases Campaign, which is part of the Strategic Plan, screening is rolled out in all districts including those in rural areas. A key objective of the Campaign is to optimise the use of Community Health Workers (CHWs) who trained on Non-Communicable Diseases and who are being capacitated to screen for diabetes and hypertension at community and household levels and link patients to care.
END.