26 March 2009
The Department of Health would like to re-assure members of the public that
medical doctors affiliated to the South African Medical Association (SAMA) and
employed in public health facilities are not planning to go on strike action as
reported in the media today.
In a statement issued by SAMA earlier today, the organisation re-committed
itself to the negotiation process around the Occupation Specific Dispensation
as it relates to doctors. This process is currently underway in the relevant
bargaining structures and once consensus is reached, a decision will be taken
on the model suitable for the profession.
On a bilateral level, the Department of Health engages in discussions with
the SAMA and other entities as part of its commitment in finding long-lasting
solutions to improving the conditions of public service doctors in the country.
The Department is fully aware of the working conditions facing public service
medical doctors and remains confident that through dialogue, these conditions
will improve.
The Department shares the sentiments of SAMA on putting the interests of
patients first in line with the National Health Act and the Constitution of the
Republic of South Africa.
Members of the public are advised that they should not expect any service
delivery in public health facilities (due to strike action) and are assured of
access to quality health care in all our facilities.
For more information please contact:
Fidel Hadebe
Tel: 012 312 0663
Cell: 079 517 3333
Issued by: Department of Health
26 March 2009
