STRENGTHENING SOUTH AFRICA’S DRUG TREATMENT SERVICES: A FOCUS ON QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE

By Precious Mupenzi

• As drug-related deaths increase and treatment services struggle to meet the demand, South Africa is prioritising quality assurance to improve care for individuals with substance use disorders.
• A recent workshop in Johannesburg highlighted the need for compliance with the National Minimum Norms and Standards at treatment centres, addressing issues like partial implementation and disparities between state-run and private facilities.
• Collaboration with international bodies is essential for enhancing care quality and adapting global standards to meet the specific needs of South Africa’s diverse population.

With drug-related deaths on the rise and treatment services struggling to meet demand, the need for robust quality assurance systems has never been more urgent. This issue was the focal point of a three-day workshop held from 27 to 29 August in Johannesburg, aimed at finding solutions to these challenges. The workshop underscored South Africa’s commitment to improving care through collaboration with international organisations, ensuring that treatment centres provide not just a refuge but a genuine pathway to recovery for those battling substance use disorders.

Ms. Wisani Mabunda, Social Policy Manager within the Department of Social Development’s Substance Abuse Directorate, highlighted the current state of treatment centres in the country. South Africa operates 12 state-run and nearly 300 privately-run treatment centres, all expected to adhere to the National Minimum Norms and Standards for drug treatment. However, many centres fail to comply with these national standards, compromising the quality of care provided.

“The challenge persists as a number of treatment centres fail to comply with the minimum norms and standards set for treating drug use disorders,” Mabunda stated, emphasising the need for stronger oversight to safeguard the well-being of those seeking help.

The workshop marked a critical step in addressing these issues. The Minimum Norms and Standards were designed to establish clear guidelines for the quality of care at treatment centres, covering individualised treatment plans, pharmacotherapy, reintegration, aftercare, and more. These standards also seek to create a fair and non-discriminatory environment, ensuring that no individual is denied care based on race, gender, social status, or other factors. Mabunda’s remarks underscored the importance of standardising services to drive transformation and enhance care quality across the board.

Mr. Leloko Matsenyane, Provincial Manager for the Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse at the Department of Social Development in the Free State Province, noted that the workshop comes at a critical time, as compliance among service providers appears to be on the decline.

“Quality assurance in treatment centres is essential to enhance service quality and ensure adherence to legislative frameworks and guidelines,” Matsenyane said.

He observed that while many treatment centres have systems in place, these systems are often only partially implemented, as evidenced by recent evaluations of service quality. The introduction of a standardised quality assurance tool is expected to help provinces align their practices, facilitate consistent data collection, and improve the analysis of treatment services for people with substance use disorders across the country.

Despite efforts to establish compliant facilities, South Africa’s treatment centres are still grappling with rising demand. Collaboration between the government and non-profit organisations has been vital in setting up these centres, but ensuring they meet the national minimum norms and standards remains a significant challenge. The gap between state-run and private facilities in terms of compliance is substantial, with many private centres falling short of the quality standards necessary for effective care.

The workshop aims to close these gaps by reinforcing evidence-based strategies for the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. Comprehensive assessments, including psychosocial and developmental evaluations, are crucial to ensuring that patients receive care tailored to their specific needs, especially those with co-occurring psychiatric or physical health conditions. Participants emphasised that these assessments must be conducted by qualified mental health professionals and social workers to guarantee that treatment plans are both thorough and appropriate.

Mabunda and other participants also stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration with international bodies such as the UNODC and the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme. These partnerships are seen as crucial for enhancing the quality of care, ensuring that services not only meet global standards but are also tailored to the unique needs of South Africa’s diverse population.