Inaccessible specialised oral health  services in South Africa – rationing  policy uncertainty: Inaccessible specialised oral health  services in South Africa – rationing  policy uncertainty

D Pagollang Motloba; Pumela Rocky-Queen Gwengu; Pusetso D Moipolai

Authors

D Pagollang Motloba Head of Department – Community Dentistry, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1379-7576
Pumela Rocky-Queen Gwengu Head of Department – Operative Dentistry, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.
Pusetso D Moipolai Head of Department – Prosthodontics, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0388-5898

Keywords:

restrictions, indefinite

Abstract

Rationing by waiting lists is associated with patient costs such as pain, anxiety and poor health outcomes. Rationing is indicative of a mismatch between the demands and resources to service patients’ needs. Long waiting times for specialised oral health services are concerning and unjustifiable. The majority of oral health care services are devoid of an explicit policy and mechanism to address this
problem. This paper attempts to provide the ethical basis for waiting times. That is, whether the mechanisms used in the allocation of services (or placing patients on waiting lists) is consistent with ethical principles.

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Author Biography

Pusetso D Moipolai, Head of Department – Prosthodontics, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.

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Inaccessible specialised oral health services in South Africa – rationing policy uncertainty