The Citizen reports that Gauteng state hospitals are short of 574 doctors and 1,209 nurses, a written reply by Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu has revealed.  

Responding to a query from DA Gauteng shadow health MEC Jack Bloom, Mahlangu noted, however, that “there was no effect on patient care, as the vacant posts are replaced immediately through walk-in applications and the annual block advertisement”.  She added that the majority of posts were vacant due to a process of natural attrition.  Bloom indicated that there are at present 5,125 doctors and 27,873 nurses in Gauteng state hospitals, but many in the highly skilled categories were close to retirement.  He commented that “MEC Mahlangu should not be complacent as the shortages do affect the quality of patient care and training needs to be stepped up.”

• Read this report in full at The Citizen
• Read Bloom’s press statement on this matter at Politicsweb

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page