The South African Medical and Dental Council has taken commendable steps to restructure itself and to orient itself more towards primary health care. But no-one, I think, would regard these steps as more than a beginning. Amongst the urgent tasks is that of turning the medical profession into a truly South African institution. The medical profession is particularly well-placed to help realise the vision of a caring and compassionate society. As role models you can help ensure that doctors, dentists and other health professionals enjoy unqualified respect, trust and credibility.
Health professionals have a contract with society.
It is about protection and standards, and includes expectations onboth ides. In this regard I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those working within our health care system for their fortitude and dedication in this stressful period. In particular the majority of nurses are to be commended for putting their confidence in negotiations as the way in which to address the serious need for an improvement in their pay and working conditions. We trust that this will soon include all nurses without exception. As we reflect on the conditions of work in health care, we are mindful of the cold-blooded murder of Dr. Stephen Pon in the course of his duties, by hijackers.