Praise as government fills gaps with doctors, nurses

The department of health’s move to employ more doctors and healthcare workers has been welcomed by unions and experts.

Government is ready to advertise for 1 200 jobs for doctors, 200 nurses and 250 other healthcare professionals at the cost of R1.780 billion, Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi said.

The South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu), one of the organisations that fought to compel the government to create opportunities for unemployed doctors, has welcomed the move.

The initiative was not only a step towards addressing the immediate needs of the country’s healthcare system, but also an acknowledgement of the unwavering dedication displayed by fellow doctors, who have retained their ambition to serve the vulnerable communities, Samatu general secretary Cedric Sihlangu said.

“We have been vocal about the rising unemployment of doctors and the need for the department to address this issue, especially given the shortages of doctors experienced in public hospitals, which have led to an alarming doctor-to-patient ratio in the public healthcare facilities.

“Our organisation recognises the immense value that the 1 200 doctors who will be appointed will bring to the fraternity, leading to the cutting of long waiting periods for patients, and advancing the readiness of implementing the National Health Insurance,” said Sihlangu.

Better healthcare quality

“This announcement by the minister represents not just an employment opportunity for doctors, but a testament to the fruitful collaboration between the department of health and advocacy groups.

“This showcases that through collaborative efforts, constructive dialogue, and evidence-based policy-making, which are key tenets that Samatu always endorses, we can better the quality of healthcare delivery within our public healthcare institutions.”

Positive Women’s Network director Thandi Maluka said the move will play a vital role in enhancing the healthcare services in the communities. “We have been complaining about the shortage of doctors and nurses.

ALSO READ: Doctors ‘are not special’: Motsoaledi under fire for comments on unemployed doctors

Shortage of staff comprises health of patients

“It is also recorded in the Ritshidze report that the shortage of staff in our facilities compromised the health of patients, so the announcement from the minister will solve problems of long waiting periods in the facilities,” said Maluka.

Motsoaledi said the human resources units would soon start with recruitment processes once all logistics have been finalised.

One of the most embarrassing experiences the public health sector had to endure was the shortage of simple things that would make the stay of patients a worthwhile experience, he said.

A few months ago, unemployed doctors protested and demanded that the government create opportunities for them in the public sector. When responding to the protests at the time, Motsoaledi said there was no money to employ the doctors.

He said doctors must not expect preferential treatment as if they were special, compared to other graduates who were also experiencing unemployment in their different sectors.

NOW READ: Phaahla says R2.4 billion needed to fill 2 012 vacant posts of medical doctors