PHUTI MOSOMANE
HEALTH Minister Dr Joe Phaahla says preliminary reports showed that four people are alleged to have lost their lives “in a manner that could be directly attributed to the strike”.
Phaahla said the Department of Health continues to observe the situation of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) strike and its impact on the health care services throughout.
“The strike has turned violent and a threat to human life as the protesters prevented and blocked the non-striking workers from entering facilities to render much needed to communities, majority of whom depend on the public health services,” Phaahla said.
The Health Minister together with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko were conducting site visits at various hospitals affected by the Nehawu strike action, which threaten the lives of healthcare workers and patients.
On Thursday protesting workers closed the main entrance of the Helen Joseph Hospital with burning tyres, preventing patients and families from entering.
Five provinces, including Gauteng have obtained urgent court interdicts against the union.
Despite the interdict, Phaahla told the media that there are still challenges in some of the hospitals in Gauteng.
“Police have been instructed to take action against those who contravene the court order interdicting striking members of Nehawu from obstructing the provision of medical services,” Phaahla said.
Workers are demanding a 10% salary increase, while the government is offering 4.7%.
Phaahla said the department is coordinating a nationwide plan working with MECs to ensure that the situation returns to “normal” speedily.
“We again want to appeal to the leadership of Nehawu that while we don’t want to interfere with their rights as enshrined in the Constitution to withdraw their services, this must be done in the manner that respects that health services are essential services,” Phaahla said at the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg.
Both Phaahla and Lesufi pleaded with the union leaders to desist from violence, physical intimidation and disruption of services.
Nkomo-Ralehoko announced that the province has put in place contingency measures and will ensure that the appointments that were cancelled due to disruptions are rescheduled, especially surgeries.
She said the province is also working on a catch-up programme for chronic patients who may need to refill their repeat prescriptions.
“We’ve been really hit hard by the strike, and you’ve been assisting us, Minister.”
Nkomo-Ralehoko said hospitals have enough medication because the hospital CEOs are working together.
“Where there is a shortage of linen or medication, they’re able to reroute where it’s needed the most,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
As union leaders vow to continue with the strike, Phaahla expressed optimism that the interventions would work in the interest of the most vulnerable using the public health facilities.
As of this afternoon [Thursday], the main entrance gates at Helen Joseph Hospital have been reopened and service delivery continues.
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