The Congress of South African Trade Unions(COSATU) in the Free State together with the South African Medical Trade Union(SAMATU) strongly condemns the growing violence directed at healthcare workers.

According to the Department of Health spokesperson, the off-duty medical officer was attacked and shot whilst at the official residence within the hospital premises. This incident has left the Federation cold and has revived the age-old discussion about the urgent need to improve the safety and security of healthcare workers in hospitals.  It is also not the first of such incidents at public heath institutions.

Whist we appreciate the immediate steps taken to appoint a private security company; it is deeply concerning that the Department of Health (DOH) chose to appoint a controversial private security company. This ill-conceived decision may encourage young and aspirant healthcare workers to dedicate their time to our public health care system. We therefore call upon the state to ensure the general safety and security of healthcare workers and public sector workers in general.

The advent of the National Health Insurance enforces the security of staff within the premises as a priority! As the Federation we will fight tooth and nail to ensure that such is prioritized now that the NHI Bill has been signed into an Act of Parliament.

We wish the young medical officer a speedy, full, and permanent recovery and hope that this incident would not deter him from continuing to serve our nation!

The DOH must attend to the immediate emotional wellbeing of the colleagues of the doctor who was injured. Alternative accommodation should also be arranged whilst they receive emotional support.

The struggle continues!

Issued by COSATU Free State

Monyatso Mahlatsi, COSATU Free State Provincial Secretary

Enquiries on 051 447 5499 or 076 115 9923