The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) welcomes Health Minister, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi’s announcement of 1 650 new healthcare posts, comprising 1 200 doctors, 200 nurses and 250 other healthcare professionals.
This is a progressive move by Minister Motsoaledi and the health ministry and speaks directly to the cries of professionals in this crucial public service sector.
Early this year, COSATU’s dedicated affiliate, South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU), led a march through the streets of Pretoria to highlight the plight of qualified doctors who have completed community service and yet remain unemployed, while their skills are desperately needed, particularly in public hospitals.
When the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) held its 9th National Congress recently, shortage of staff was one of the issues that was prominently raised. Nurses, in particular, bear the brunt of the criticism levelled against the public health system and yet they work extraordinarily long hours under challenging conditions and now have to grapple with feeling unsafe at work.
COSATU applauds Minister Motsoaledi for taking bold steps towards readying the public health system for the eventual implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), including the finalisation of an audit of hospital beds required. Yet another hurdle was surmounted last week when the Pretoria High Court ruled against the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF)’ bid to offer low-cost benefit options of their products as a substitute for the NHI. The ruling in the BHF’s other case, where it petitioned the same court to overturn President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing the NHI into law, is still pending.
The Federation will continue to support Minister Motsoaledi and the health ministry as they stride towards implementing the NHI to ensure universal, equitable healthcare for South Africans.
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za