Health system challenges affecting rehabilitation services in South Africa

Abstract

This article presents challenges and solutions to ensure that South Africa can meet WHO 2030 Rehabilitation Goals for equitable provision of effective public rehabilitation services using the WHO's health system building block framework.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONTo meet the challenge of providing rehabilitation for those in need requires country-specific, strategic, evidence-informed, and planned decisions in terms of best investment for highest return.Whilst there is sound international evidence for best-practice rehabilitation care, country-specific strategies are required to identify and address local barriers to evidence implementation.In South Africa, where rehabilitation has not been a priority to date, it is important that a planned and well-costed approach is taken to ensure provision of equitable, accessible, affordable, and evidence-based rehabilitation.Measuring social, economic, and educational return on investment from rehabilitation should be part of the South African service-delivery planning process.National data could be obtained through adding additional questions on disability to the national census and through local surveys and reports at various public health care facilities.