Henry Gluckman (1893-1987) was a South African politician. He served as
Minister of Health A health minister is the member of a country's government typically responsible for protecting and promoting public health and providing welfare and other social security services.
Some governments have separate ministers for mental health.
Coun ...
from 1945 until 1948. He was the country's first Jewish cabinet minister. He was first elected to Parliament in
1938
Events
January
* January 1
** The Constitution of Estonia#Third Constitution (de facto 1938–1940, de jure 1938–1992), new constitution of Estonia enters into force, which many consider to be the ending of the Era of Silence and the a ...
, representing the
United Party. A member of the party’s liberal wing, Gluckman was a proponent of racial equality and generous social spending. Between 1942 and 1944, he chaired the National Health Services (NHS) Commission. He proposed the free provision of medical care to all South Africans. The NHS would be financed by a health tax. Although his proposal wasn’t ultimately adopted by government, it has influenced healthcare policy in the country. He criticized his successor A.J. Stals, who he believed, had mismanaged the Directorate of housing, causing a shortage of sufficient shelter.
References
{{Authority control
Health ministers of South Africa