South Africa is one of the most violent countries in the world, however, we have a shortage of medical personnel and people signing up for paramedic courses.  That obviously means that there is an imbalance in the system. The question is, how do we as a country improve the situation or can we do anything to help the situation?

Recent research has shown due to a lack of medical personnel, first aid products and medical treatment many people lose their lives unnecessary. That is why it is essential for government and business to form a strong partnership to improve the healthcare system in South Africa.

Ways to improve medical healthcare:

1. Develop and implement national standards for examinations that doctors, nurses and pharmacists have to pass to get employment. Many doctors in South Africa still fake qualifications so we need to stop that.
2. Encourage high schools to develop training programmes in healthcare. For example health care training which will help reduce the gap in this field because if students learn about it in school it can motivate them to follow a career in health care.
3. Developing partnerships between the public and private sectors is extremely important to implement new ways to deliver successful healthcare. Government cannot deal with this problem alone instead it must be considered national interest so we must all do our part.
4. Reducing the costs of studying in the medical field can boost the number of people entering medicine. By making it more affordable or eradicating fees altogether, medical studies will be made accessible to disadvantaged students.
5. Encourage doctors to start health centres and improve government health centres. Upgrading existing infrastructure is an affordable option for government which can yield the greatest benefits.
6. Stop corruption within the health department. South Africa has a huge problem with corruption in state run hospitals. Officials steal money, hospital staff steals medication which results in reduced quality of healthcare.

Improving the healthcare system is not an overnight process, it is going to take lots of hard work, time and money. However, if we want South Africa to rank amongst elite countries in healthcare then this is the sacrifices we need to make as a country.