The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has no intention to abolish permanently 3 000 posts but is in the process of ensuring that no posts in the organogram of institutions remain unfilled for more than two years.
In February 2011 the department issued a Circular (04 of 2011) where institutional managers were advised of a Cabinet resolution; “that departments need to clean up the organisational structures on Persal and reduce the unrealistic vacancy rates, particularly posts which have remained unfilled for more than two years are never likely to be filled in light of the current cost cutting measures.”
Accordingly the department engaged is such an exercise and explained that these posts are abolished only on the Persal system records and not off the institutions’ authorised organisational structures. The posts are re-instated on the Persal system by the Head Office Establishment section as needs are identified for such re-instatement as explained in the circular, which was communicated to all institutional managers.
Therefore these posts are being filled as soon as funds are available and normal recruitment processes have been followed. Furthermore, the circular advised, that institutions must ensure that posts that have been authorised for unfreezing and filling are filled as a matter of urgency because the abolition of unused vacant posts will be processed on an ongoing basis. All vacancies are subject to review as and when deemed necessary.
The department wishes to assure the public and its staff that everything is being done to recruit more health workers to occupy the posts that have remained vacant for some time. This follows the State President’s call to fill all funded posts by July 2011.
"Improvements in the quality of care must include access to a skilled and motivated health worker," said Dr Dhlomo MEC for Health. "No improvement in budgets can make a lasting difference in people's lives until the health workforce problems are solved.”
Enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
