Nelly Sharpley

University of KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa

Presentation Title:

Challenges and consequences of poor healthcare management in OR Thambo and uMhlontlo Municipalities, South Africa

Abstract

Healthcare management in the districts of OR Thambo and uMhlontlo Municipality, South Africa, faces significant challenges due to the absence of essential Primary Healthcare (PHC) management skills, limited resources, difficulties in policy interpretation, and substandard infrastructure. These factors collectively hinder the districts from achieving universal healthcare coverage standards. A study involving the Primary healthcare assessment tool of six rural community healthcare centres in the district revealed significant skill gaps, deviations from the provisioning framework, and a lack of robust evaluation systems. The rural marginalized communities are disproportionately affected, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these deficiencies. The study has found that poor healthcare management in OR Thambo and uMhlontlo Municipality has several negative consequences, such as listed below;

• Increased disparities in healthcare: Quality improvement programs may exacerbate health

disparities rather than close gaps.

• Inefficient resource use: High costs of guideline implementation lead to inefficient resource allocation.

• Decreased performance: Hospitals with limited resources perform differently, exacerbating healthcare disparities.

• Staff frustration: Inadequate education and motivation mechanisms lead to low morale and reduced productivity.

• Administrative inefficiencies: Bureaucratic barriers and system errors undermine patient satisfaction.

• Patient safety risks: Poor medication management can lead to fatalities and regulatory non-compliance.

• Inadequate leadership: Lack of effective leadership results in increased costs and reduced efficiency.

• Lack of context in providing services, which leads to unsupported service context provisioning.

Addressing these issues through targeted interventions can improve healthcare management, reduce disparities, and ensure better health outcomes for residents in OR Thambo and uMhlontlo Municipality.

Biography

Nelly Vuyokazi Sharpley, Ph.D., is a medical sociologist and acting cluster leader for Society and Social Change at the School of Social Sciences, UKZN. With a doctoral degree in sociology from UKZN, she champions education and research for societal transformation, guided by "Ubuntu" principles. Her collaborative research focuses on Medium and Low-Income Populations (MLIPs) and disadvantaged groups, promoting social justice. Sharpley has secured funding for community projects from prestigious sources like NIHSS, MRC, and NRF. She co-authored the book "Covid and Customs in Rural South Africa" contributed to global health publications, and engaged in primary healthcare research. As a member of the South African Sociological Association, ISA, ASNA and reviewer for SARS, AJIMS and Social Dynamics journals, she actively participates in community engagement forums and the University Industry Innovation Network. Sharpley's contributions extend to the South African BRICS Think-Tank, where she presented on COVID recovery and Agenda 2030 at the BRICS roundtable hosted by South Africa.

5th World Congress on Primary Healthcare and Medicare Summit

Nelly Sharpley

Presentation Title:

Challenges and consequences of poor healthcare management in OR Thambo and uMhlontlo Municipalities, South Africa

Abstract

Biography

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