Despite media reports and threat of an illegal strike by some doctors in the public health sector the Department of Health remains committed in fully implementing the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) in line with the agreement in the Bargaining Chamber.
To date, the department has been working closely with all doctor unions especially the South African Medical Association (SAMA) in the implementation of the OSD and resolving of specific problems encountered in the implementation process. The department is encouraged by the fact that so far well over 96 percent of the process has been successfully implemented and the few remaining cases under dispute are receiving attention in line with the directive by the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
All provincial departments agreed to a number of processes to ensure that not only the correct implementation of the respective agreements of the Bargaining Council, but to also ensure that there is on-going communication with the respective health professionals’ categories in this regard.
The department is also at an advanced stage of ensuring that any further salary adjustments as provided in the Public Health and Social Development Sectoral Bargaining Council Resolution 3 of 2009 will be reflected in the employees’ salaries once preparatory work has been finalised.
It is however also important to note that in its very nature, the OSD regime treats each employee as an individual who is free to structure their package according to their individual needs taking into account factors such as pension, medical aid, car and housing allowances amongst others.
Threats of a strike action therefore go against the spirit and commitments made by the parties in implementing the OSD. The department would like to urge any party to work with it in resolving any problems encountered in this process.
In the meantime, the important work of delivering quality healthcare to those who desperately need it should continue undisturbed.
For more information please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Tel: 012 312 0663
Cell: 079 517 3333
Issued by: Department of Health
1 March 2010
