23 October 2006
The national Department of Health notes the statement issued by the Junior
Doctors' Association of South Africa (Judasa) regarding working hours for
junior doctors.
The policy of the Department of Health is that doctors are allowed to work
up to a maximum of 80 hours overtime per month, and they are appropriately
compensated for these services.
The department would like to request Judasa to report to the department the
specific instances where there has been a deviation from this policy, and where
doctors have been expected to work extra hours without compensation.
The department is committed to work with Judasa to establish the
authenticity of these allegations and take appropriate corrective action if the
allegations are found to be true.
The Department of Health appreciates the contribution that is being made by
interns, community service doctors and all medical officers in the delivery of
health in the country.
Enquiries:
Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Department of Health
23 October 2006
