This was a new undertaking for me four years ago after over 40 years in the South Africa public health sector both as a specialist paediatrician and health manager in a career divided almost equally between the two.
I had the privilege to head two provincial health departments since the democratic transition in 1994 and at my retirement I was the longest serving head of a provincial health department in South Africa … an achievement that still remains after my retirement in 2015.
Subsequent to my retirement I have remained involved in the public health sector but also ventured on a consultant basis into the private health sector in this country. I have served, in addition, on the boards of two health related public entities as well as the board of a non-profit organisation. In this blog I share my experiences and the lessons learned as an academic clinician, a senior bureaucrat in the South African public service and consultant.
It is common knowledge that health care and indeed many aspects of South African society are challenged on many fronts. So with my background and hard won experience, how can I contribute constructively to the debate by offering both constructive criticism and solutions?
With Househam on Health now well established with over 80 posts and many readers since its inception, I have covered a wide range of topics mostly addressing challenges related to healthcare, government and governance. I have on occasion also written on more personal and philosophical issues but attempted at all times to both remain positive and offer possible solutions.
My thanks to all who have joined me on this journey so far and I invite all those who remain interested to continue with me!
Craig Househam