Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi joined by his provincial health counterpart Qedani Mahlangu met with staff at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital as part of his programme to familiarise himself with conditions in the country's public hospitals, including challenges facing staff in these hospitals.
The visit comes amid concerns raised around the performance of state hospitals and conditions of service for doctors. After his tour of various units in the hospital including the neo-natal, emergency unit and the new hospital wing, the Minister then had a frank and open meeting with senior doctors at the hospital with a view to allowing them to share with him their challenges. Among the issues raised at this meeting were issues of staff shortages and supply chain processes that have a bearing on doctors' working conditions.
After this meeting the Minister held a meeting with junior doctors to try and respond to their concerns around the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD). The Minister expressed his appreciation for the good that doctors employed in the state sector and committed him to addressing the many challenges facing the public health sector in the country.
Due to pressures of time on the part of Minister Motsoaledi, the meeting with the South African Council of Churches (SACC) was shortened with an understanding that the parties will meet in the near future to address mutual issues that have a bearing on the health system in the country.
For more information please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Tel: 012 312 0663
Cell: 079 517 3333
Issued by: Department of Health
13 July 2009
