The Complexities of Implementing a Financial Incentive Policy for Nurses

The occupation specific dispensation (OSD) process in South Africa

Financial incentives are a commonly used strategy to improve health worker motivation and retention; however, there are few studies that analyze the implementation of policies on remuneration or financial incentives. In 2007, the South African government introduced the occupation specific dispensation (OSD), a financial incentive strategy to attract, motivate and retain health professionals in the public health sector. Starting with nurses who form the bulk of healthcare professionals, the implementation of this policy experienced several problems and some unintended negative consequences. Read more here .