12 June 2007
The Free State Department of Health is acting decisively to ensure the
continuation of service delivery in health facilities in the province.
In order to circumvent any intimidation of officials performing their duties
at health facilities and executing the national directive, letters of
termination of employment was served to affected officials.
A call is made on the community not to abuse the emergency medical services
during the period of the industrial action and utilise it for emergencies.
We are expecting nursing and medical professionals as well as support staff
at health facilities to attend to their normal duties tomorrow.
Health services were declared as an essential service and staff heading the
call to participate in industrial action will be dealt with in terms of the
labour procedures available.
In view of the intended action tomorrow the South African Police Service was
put on alert and the SA National Defence Force will assist with additional
support in hospitals where needed. Security at health facilities has also been
stepped up.
A call is made to the community to utilise the health services selectively
and in case of emergencies.
Enquiries: Elke De Witt
Cell: 083 561 6517
Issued by: Department of Health, Free State Provincial Government
12 June 2007
