“Even under apartheid, while we supported the struggle against the unjust system; some remained in service to ensure that people receive healthcare that they needed.” This is what the MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, said after he visited King Edward VIII Hospital this morning to see how the public service strike was affecting the delivery of healthcare.
The MEC went to the hospital to find the casualty department deserted, in the dark and the phone ringing frantically. On answering the phone he spoke to a nurse from one of the clinics (in Ntuzuma) who wanted to transfer a two year old child who had been injured in a motor vehicle accident.
“For all we know, it could be a child of one of the protesters. To hear reports that people are being intimidated to leave their workplaces is worrisome and disturbing. By disrupting healthcare services do they consider what would happen should they or their next of kin become in need of this very care? While we respect the right of public servants to engage the employer and struggle for their rights; that cannot be equated or made to surpass the right of ordinary citizens to healthcare” the MEC added.
Briefing cabinet today, the MEC and the Head of Department; Dr Sibongile Zungu, stated that a number of hospitals reported that staff members were forcibly removed from their work stations and patients were left unattended. In some cases the protesters blockaded gates blocking access into and from the hospital for Emergency Medical & Rescue Services (EMRS). In some areas reports of people’s lives being threatened were received.
“The right to healthcare services is provided for in three sections of the South African Constitution. The fundamental responsibility of healthcare workers is fourfold: to promote health, to prevent illness, to restore health and to alleviate suffering. We find it unbelievable that nurses, in particular, cannot make arrangements to have some of their colleagues back in hospitals while others are continuing with the strike.”
“We have made requests to our South African Military Health Services (SAMHS) to come to our rescue. Given that this is a national strike, we know that SAMHS can’t be everywhere. Where there is a fairly good attendance and minimal disruptions, we are keeping such institutions running to ensure that some services continue. We have also suspended the elective surgery until the situation returns to normality, especially the travelling of patients from afar to have these done,” the MEC concluded.
The department wants to make a call to all health professional to consider those sick and vulnerable as they engage in their strike action. Intimidation of staff members, the department believes, is totally unacceptable and borders on criminality. The MEC believes that good health services are those that deliver effective, safe, good quality, personal and non-personal care to those that need it and when needed, under all circumstances. The right to strike does not take away the right of citizens to healthcare. The department also urges the public to bear with the department during the strike action as the speed and convenience may not be at required levels.
Enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 285 0567
