Cape
14 February 2007
The Eastern Cape Health Department (ECDOH) has noted the media reports
attributed to the dismissed nursing staff of the province of KwaZulu Natal with
regard to the issue of the rural allowances for health professionals.
The group of enrolled nursing staff is reportedly threatening to join the
ECDOH following their dismissal by the KwaZulu Natal Health department after
engaging in an "unprotected industrial action."
The ECDOH is working with the national department and all the nine provinces
in addressing severe shortage of health professionals in public hospitals and
other challenges facing the department.
We would like to encourage the affected employees to observe proper
protocols in raising their concerns.
The Department wishes to put it clear that the affected nurses will not be
accepted in the province and a circular instructing managers not to consider
their applications has been sent out to all our hospitals and district
offices.
The ECDOH started a rural incentive initiative as early as 2002 mainly to
attract and retain health professionals in rural areas of our province. Later
the strategy was introduced by the national department.
Before this initiative, it was almost impossible for the Eastern Cape Health
Department to attract professionals with families to rural areas where there
were few schools for their children and entertainment facilities.
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
14 February 2007
Source: Eastern Cape Department of Health (http://www.ecdoh.gov.za)
