Cape Times reports that doctors advocating to have their 30-hour work shift policy reviewed have vowed to continue pressurising Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s department.
The Junior Doctors Association of SA (Judasa) has joined hands with the SA Medical Association (Sama) and Safe Working Hours (SWH) to take up the cudgels for overworked doctors. The recent death of medical intern, who was killed when she crashed her car on her way home, has put the issue firmly in the spotlight. SWH spokesperson Helene-Mari van der Westhuizen said: “If there ever was a time to join forces and push for change, it is now. It is only through pressure from within and outside the medical profession simultaneously that this archaic practice can be stopped.” Judasa has called for a cap of 24 hours and for the department to review its overtime policy. SWH is seeking to have a cap of 12 hours and compiled a document questioning the 30-hour shift policy. The department recently set up a task team to look at solutions.
- Read this report by Carlo Petersen in full at Cape Times
- See too, Push to increase number of doctors, at Cape Times
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page