Health Information Systems, eHealth Strategy, and the Management of Health Records: The Quest to Transform South Africa's Public Health Sector

Health Sector History

The history of the health sector in South Africa dates back long before the British occupation of the Cape in the early 19^th century (Katuu, 2011; Laidler & Glefand, 1971). At present, South African health care is characterised by its mixed and pluralistic flavour. This pluralism had its origins in the early Western settlements period and was expanded and consolidated during the subsequent colonial period. According to Van Rensburg (2004, pp. 68-69), it started specifically with the importation of ships’ surgeons from the 17^th century. The pioneer was surgeon Jan van Riebeeck who founded the settlement at Cape of Good Hope or now known as Cape Town in 1652 (Bruijn, 2009, p. 85). This was followed in subsequent decades and centuries with the establishment of private practitioners among free burghers (who were independent famers that supplied fresh produce to passing ships) as well as the expanding settlements (Ward, 2015). Later saw the appointment of district surgeons, resident doctors and a growing corps of medical officialdom (Van Rensburg, Fourie, & Pretorius, 1992, p. 54). Hospitals and other types of health care facilities were first established to cater for company officials and for some time had close military ties. Civilian and public hospitals were later developments (Van Rensburg, 2004, pp. 68-69).