International Nurses Day addresses attacks on healthcare workers

International Nurses Day, observed annually on May 12, saw union representatives raise their concerns about the increasing number of attacks on healthcare workers.

ALSO READ: International Firefighters’ Day honoured by DEMS

The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, and Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, led the 2023 International Nurses Day commemoration at Pholosong Regional Hospital in Ekurhuleni.

“The healthcare sector is facing numerous challenges, ranging from staff shortages, poor management, poor remuneration and an ageing nurse population.

“The lack of basic resources, including essential medicines is another challenge faced by nurses,” said Reuben Maleka from the Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA).

Another concern raised was the increasing number of reports of attacks on healthcare workers in Gauteng and other provinces.

“This includes verbal and physical abuse, nurses being held at gunpoint and gunned down.

ALSO READ: Locals entertained by local and international comedians at Emperors

“In a recent incident, a nurse in Limpopo was attacked, robbed and raped by a criminal.

“These attacks are unacceptable and the PSA calls for more measures to be taken to enhance security at government medical institutions, including clinics and hospitals,” said Maleka.

“Many nurses working under these circumstances are looking for greener pastures abroad, where South African nurses are highly regarded, especially in the United Kingdom and the Middle East.

“This steady loss of qualified nurses, as well as the fact that some 9 000 nurses are lost every month owing to retirement or death calls for urgent intervention by the Department of Health.

ALSO READ: Letter: International reader tracks down a company in Modderfontein

“Failure to address this looming crisis will have irreversible consequences.

“The PSA calls on all citizens to value the country’s nurses and regard the sacrifices they make to provide critical services,” said Maleka.

This year’s theme for International Nurses’ Day was ‘Our Nurses, Our Future’, which serves as a clarion call by the International Council of Nurses to countries to address the global health challenges and improve global health for all.

The commemorative event acknowledged nurses for the role they play in saving lives and raising awareness of the challenges they face.

“Nurses are educated to understand the complex nature of maintaining health and wellness, and the impact of psychosocial and socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment and ethnicity,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.