By Lungile Ntimba
There has been mixed reaction to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s announcement that the government will advertise 1200 jobs for doctors, 200 for nurses and 250 for other healthcare professionals at the cost of R1.78 billion.
While the African National Congress and the Congress SA Trade Unions welcomed the announcement, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of SA, which is affiliated to Cosatu, expressed deep disappointment about the number of nurses to be recruited.
Denosa spokesperson Sonia Mabunda-Kaziboni said on Friday it was shockingly inadequate and downright insulting to the nursing fraternity.
“The health department has not only failed to respond meaningfully to the dire shortage of nurses across the country, but it has also shown a disturbing lack of shame in publicly announcing the recruitment of a mere 200 nurses, as though it were a breakthrough,” she said.
“This token gesture, coming after repeated calls for urgent and large-scale investment into nursing human resources, is a slap in the face to the thousands of nurses who are already stretched beyond capacity.”
National projections estimate that the country could be short by over 100,000 nurses by 2030 if urgent interventions are not made. In the Free State alone, there is a 28% vacancy rate.
Mabunda-Kaziboni said these shortages had devastating impacts such as compromising patient care, with fewer nurses caring for more patients.
A longer waiting period in hospitals and nurses emigrating due to untenable working conditions further compounding the problem.
Denosa acknowledged the minister’s reference to the procurement of hospital beds, mattresses and linen items. However, it was concerned that if these procurements were managed through the current tendering system, they would fall victim to corrupt practices.
“The tender system has become a breeding ground for looting and inefficiency, and unless transparency and accountability are prioritised, the funds allocated will be squandered, and frontline facilities will see little benefit,” said Mabunda-Kaziboni.
Cosatu spokeswoman Zanele Sabela sad described the recruitment drive as a progressive move by Motsoaledi and the Health Ministry, saying it spoke directly to the cries of professionals in this crucial public service sector.
She said Cosatu also applauded Motsoaledi for taking steps towards readying the public health system for the eventual implementation of the National Health Insurance, including the finalisation of an audit of hospital beds required.
ANC spokeswoman Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the intervention demonstrated the government’s commitment to strengthening the public healthcare system and ensuring that quality care was accessible to all South Africans.
“It reflects a serious and proactive response to the challenges facing the sector. The ANC has long recognised the urgent need to increase the number of healthcare professionals, particularly in under-resourced communities.
“While this measure may not fully meet the growing demand, it is a significant step forward. We are confident it will help ease pressure on healthcare facilities and enhance patient care,” she said in a statement.
Denosa has called on the Health Department to urgently implement a comprehensive nurses’ recruitment and retention plan, targeting thousands of new nursing appointments.
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