7 June 2007
The Head of Department (HoD) in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Dr
BM Nyembezi, addressed the media today at an urgently convened media briefing
session. The HoD wanted to report on the impact the continued strike action has
on the delivery of health services in the province. She also wanted to commend
the dedication and hard work of the staff who have continued to provide quality
care despite the hardships and intimidations.
The HoD informed the media representative present that she is aware that
there are grave concerns with the number of people who may have passed away
following the staff shortages in hospitals. She said that the department was
busy collating information in this regard as well as information on any damages
to government property. She indicated that due to the staff shortages it was
difficult to spare people to collect and collate data on a daily basis.
The briefing was informed of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by
doctors and management in some of the hospitals. The media representatives were
told of doctors in King Edward VIII and Grey's Hospitals who have gone beyond
their duties and have been seen cleaning the floors and also collecting and
distributing bed linens. She expressed her sincere gratitude for this kindly of
service and dedication.
She went further to say that the issue of the ultimatum issued by the
Director-General of the Department of Health, Mr Thami Mseleku, was being
handled by the national department and the Director-General is receiving
regular briefings from all Heads of Health from provinces.
On the impact of the strike on the delivery of healthcare services; she said
the situation changes from hospital to hospital and day to day. In some
instances the day may start well and graduate into chaos as the day progresses.
The main feature of the strike is the intimidation of those who want to go to
work in many of the hospitals. She informed the media representatives that as
of today; the clinics are now affected after they have been operating well.
She then appealed to the general public to assist in ensuring that people
who want to fulfil their professional obligations are not intimidated and
prevented from doing so. The Department of Health is unwavering on service
delivery and the continued provision of quality health care to all the people
of KwaZulu-Natal. Further support from the South African Police Service (SAPS)
as well as private security companies have been canvassed to protect those who
want to work as well as patients in the hospitals and clinics.
The department acknowledged the need to keep the general public informed of
the situation in these critical centres of care. In this regard, regular
updates will be issued to the media; at least twice a day.
For more information please contact:
Mr Nhlanhla Nkosi
Cell: 083 459 1922
Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
7 June 2007
