The task team consisting of members from the NDoH, the HPCSA and the Council on Higher Education (CHE) will be advising and reporting on matters relating to the operationalisation of national education and training polices affecting the emergency care profession. Dr Lambert looks forward to participating in the activities and in so doing assisting in making such policies operational.

Says Lambert: “The problem we have in South Africa is not a shortage of good ideas. Many of the policies of government are good policies and are well thought out, our challenge continues to lie in finding ways to operationalise and deliver on them. In so doing ensuring the end goals are achieved.”

The NDoH in conjunction with the Professional Board for Emergency Care has proposed a three-tier Emergency Care Qualification Framework (ECQF) which is aligned to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Similar to other health professions, the three-tiers of the ECQF consists of an entry level qualification, a mid-level qualification and a professional degree allowing access to further postgraduate qualifications.

The policies of the NDoH aim to align emergency care education and training with current education legislation. This alignment is important to ensure national education and training needs are met in order to support the rendering of quality health care services to the population of South Africa.​