Health ministry faces mounting pressure
Mpho Mokwape | Monday June 8, 2026 06:00
Appearing before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Government Assurances, Acting Permanent Secretary and Accounting Officer, Mareko Ramotsababa, said the ministry continues to face mounting pressure as it seeks to improve healthcare delivery nationwide while fulfilling promises made to lawmakers.
Ramotsababa told the committee that despite ongoing efforts to strengthen the health sector, the ministry is operating in an increasingly demanding environment characterised by growing service needs and limited resources. 'The demand for healthcare services continues to increase, placing significant pressure on available resources and infrastructure,' he said.
His remarks came during an assessment by the committee, which is responsible for monitoring government assurances and ensuring that commitments made before Parliament are implemented. Members of the committee sought updates on various undertakings previously made by the ministry, including progress achieved, implementation timelines and challenges encountered along the way.
At the centre of the discussions was the ministry's ability to deliver healthcare services while managing operational constraints that continue to affect the sector. Ramotsababa explained that resource limitations remain one of the biggest hurdles facing the ministry. He noted that increasing healthcare demands require continuous investment in personnel, infrastructure, medical supplies and support systems.
The Acting Permanent Secretary said the ministry is working to maximise available resources while pursuing strategies aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening service delivery. He also highlighted the need for better coordination across different levels of the healthcare system, saying stronger collaboration is necessary to ensure programmes are implemented effectively, and communities receive the services they need.
According to Ramotsababa, improving coordination would help address operational challenges and support the successful implementation of health programmes throughout the country. Committee members acknowledged the pressures facing the health sector but stressed the importance of ensuring that commitments made to Parliament are fulfilled. They emphasized that government assurances must be accompanied by measurable outcomes and regular reporting to allow Parliament to monitor progress.
During the session, members requested additional information on the status of various health initiatives and sought assurances that ongoing programmes are delivering tangible benefits to the public. The committee also highlighted the importance of evidence-based reporting, urging the ministry to provide clear statistics and examples that demonstrate progress in addressing healthcare challenges.
Despite the difficulties outlined during the meeting, Ramotsababa maintained that the ministry remains committed to improving access to quality healthcare services. He said efforts are ongoing to strengthen health systems, improve operational efficiency and address service delivery gaps affecting communities across the country.
'We remain committed to improving healthcare services and ensuring that government programmes achieve their intended objectives,' Ramotsababa said. The Acting Permanent Secretary further noted that collaboration among the ministry, Parliament, and other stakeholders will be critical to overcoming existing challenges and ensuring that health sector priorities are successfully implemented.
Members of the committee reiterated that parliamentary oversight is intended not only to monitor government commitments but also to identify challenges that may hinder implementation and to find ways to address them.
They noted that understanding the realities facing ministries is essential to ensuring that public policies translate into practical outcomes that benefit citizens. Ramotsababa concluded that the hearing ultimately painted a picture of a health sector striving to meet rising public expectations while navigating significant operational and resource pressures.
While he acknowledged that challenges remain, he indicated that efforts are continuing to strengthen healthcare delivery systems and fulfil commitments made to Parliament. As the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Government Assurances continues its review, it told the ministry officials to focus on balancing increasing demand for services with the resources available to meet the country's healthcare needs.