Community participation in the delivery of Primary Health Care Services in the City of Cape Town: An evaluative study of the Athlone Health District

Abstract

The South African Health Department Endorsed the primary Health Care Approach based on the Alma Ata Declaration. ln one of its official policy documents, it listed ten principles for the health system, one of which was the full participation of the communities. To date, little progress has been made in effectively involving communities in the delivery of health services. ln this research we have focused on the Athlone District as a unit of the National Health System and the Primary Health Care Services, to evaluate the extent to which people are asked to participate and the level at which they are allowed to participate. The findings of our research confirms the need for communities to become involved in the delivery of health services in a more objective way and not be mere recipients of health services. This mini thesis is concluded by providing useful recommendations which will be of benefit to improving the way in which we engage communities in the public health services, especially at the Primary Health Care level.