​Koketso Maraba
 
The South African healthcare system is at a turning point in the development of palliative care. With the goal of improving the quality of life for patients facing serious and life-limiting illnesses, the Gauteng Department of Health hosted a three-day national workshop. 
Officials and experts from across provinces came together to review and improve the National Policy Framework and Strategy on Palliative Care (NPFSPC) for the next five years, 2025–2029.
This is part of efforts to building a compassionate healthcare system that supports patients with dignity and care, regardless of where they live or how much they earn.
Palliative care is not just about treating illness. It is a special kind of support that meets the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. As Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko explained, "Palliative care is a fundamental human right. It's about caring for the whole person, not just the disease."
Gauteng has made real progress in this area. The Wits/Gauteng Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, which has existed for over 25 years, plays a key role in providing care, training healthcare workers, and guiding policies with research. However, the MEC admitted that access to palliative services remains unequal. "We know there are still gaps, especially in communities that are under-resourced," she said.
To improve access, the department has committed to several steps. These include expanding palliative care services across all levels of healthcare so patients can receive help close to home. The MEC added that continued investment in training is a top priority, noting that healthcare workers must be equipped with both skills and compassion.
As part of the Wits University Faculty of Health Sciences, the Gauteng/Wits Centre for Palliative Care has trained over 700 health professionals across South Africa, including Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. An additional 23 people are set to begin training soon in Gauteng, further strengthening the reach and impact of palliative care services.
Moreover, public awareness is crucial. The department plans to increase community education to reduce the stigma around life-threatening illnesses. Policies are also being updated, in close collaboration with the National Department of Health, to make sure palliative care is part of long-term planning.
Importantly, the MEC stressed the need to align this work with the National Health Insurance (NHI) rollout. "Our goal is simple," she said. "Everyone, no matter their background, should have access to quality palliative care."
As part of advancing the new strategy, the Department will continue supporting patients with complex conditions like cancer, AIDS, and organ failure, addressing not only physical pain but also emotional, social, and spiritual needs, ensuring truly holistic and compassionate care.