Reflection on performance health indicators of the Free State Department of Health in comparison with North West, Northern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng Provinces of South Africa

Performance health indicators (PHIs) are a vehicle designed to improve the health outcomes. International bodies advocate for the public health system to be embedded with monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for full realisation of health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity [1]. In recognising that public health sector relies on government funding, health performance indicators become imperative for ensuring stewardship of the resources and meeting its constitutional mandate. This review compares the Free State Department of Health with four other provinces namely North West, Northern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng of South Africa on selective performance indicators for improved health outcomes [2]. The review found that the Free State Department of Health has shortcomings on some of the PHIs, hence recommendations are made for it to fulfil and exceed its set performance targets.