ECDoH has to do within a tight fiscal space. Whilst healthcare undoubtedly remains one of the key priorities for the Eastern Cape Government, it is no secret that the current fiscal environment remains extremely tight and fragile with uncertain economic prospects. 

This requires the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDoH) to find ways to do more with less. In other words the promise and the commitment to improve healthcare for the people of this province has to be delivered with significantly reduced resources at the Department’s disposal. There has also been a call from the Presidency that all state organisations must find ways to eliminate wastage and use resources prudently and in areas where they are needed most as per the mandate of each institution.

Whilst ECDoH is the second largest beneficiary of the Eastern Cape’s 2016 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) budget, receiving a total allocation of R20.244 billion in 2016/17, this is a meagre increase from the 2015/16 allocation which was R18 495 billion. In real terms and when one factors in inflationary effects and the increase in the scope of work, this is in fact a decrease which once more emphasises the need to spend wisely and prudently. 

The allocation of the budget for the Department in 2016/17 and the 2016 MTEF will primarily be focusing on funding the following:

The department renders accessible, equitable and integrated quality health care services in the Province. Government’s medium term priorities include increasing life expectancy, decreasing maternal and child mortality and combating HIV/ AIDS through strengthening the effectiveness of the health system.