GDoH sets up contingency measures at health facilities amid NEHAWU strike
The department urged protesting employees to immediately stop obstructing the rendering of health services to patients in health facilities as well as causing damage to property.
GAUTENG. – The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko says patients at Sebokeng Hospital needing urgent surgery have been transferred to other hospitals for assistance.
The MEC yesterday visited various hospitals in the province to assess the impact of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) strike action, which has halted health services, with some patients being turned away from health facilities.
MEC Ralehoko together with the Chief Operations Officer at Gauteng Department of Health Lesiba Malotana said the department has set up contingency measures to ensure that essential services continue at Sebokeng Hospital.
Malotana says, “We have ensured that service and supply continue at the hospital. A circular calling for employees to come back to work those that want to come to work will not be threatened, they have a choice to either continue with the strike or come back to work. We have also brought in the services of nursing agencies to fill the gap.
Molotana said police are on the scene to ensure the safety of everyone.
On Thursday, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) issued a circular calling for its employees to return to work.
“The court order instructed the SAPS to take all the necessaries to give effect to the interim order including the removal of any person from properties and premises of GDoH.”
The department urged protesting employees to immediately stop obstructing the rendering of health services to patients in health facilities as well as causing damage to property.
