Decentralisation of Primary Health Care Services in South Africa

Since 1994 a number of health reforms took place in furthering democracy. These changes included the decentralisation of Primary Health Care Services. This study is a phenomenological research that chronicles the Primary Health Care decentralisation experiences in the Bophirima District of the North-West Province. Using a descriptive qualitative phenomenological orientation, the purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of participants associated with decentralisation in the Bophirima District. The sampling procedure involved non-probability purposive, sampling technique with a sample size of five participants. Data was collected by using an unstructured interview technique. The modified Giorgi method of analysis was used for qualitative data analysis. Trustworthiness and ethical requirements were considered throughout the research project. Three forms of decentralisation: deconcentration, delegation and devolution were identified in the findings. Most importantly, the research revealed that the interest of leadership across three spheres of government played a key role in the decentralisation of PHCs.