ANA reports that the Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to request urgent intervention from his department to avert the looming strike by pathologists at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS).  

The DA warned that a strike could have devastating consequences, "seeing that the NHLS is responsible for more than 80% of the country’s pathology diagnostic services".  DA MP Patricia Kopane said:  "The impending strike follows the National Health Laboratory Service’s admission that it would not be able to meet the 7.3% salary increase demanded by pathology professionals and their trade unions.  It was only able to offer 3%.  It is crucial that arrangements are made with private laboratories in advance, as a strike at the NHLS will be devastating for patients in need of urgent tests for HIV/Aids, Malaria, Cancer, and Multi-Drug Resistant TB."  The DA requested the minister to provide a detailed plan of action in order to mitigate the devastating consequences which will be caused by an NHLS strike.

• Read this report in full at IOL News
• See too, Pathology strike over low wage hikes would seriously harm sick patients, at BusinessLive
• And also, Motsoaledi ‘moet ingryp’ in staking van laboratorium-werkers, at Netwerk24 (limit on access)
• As well as, Patoloë dreig om nasionaal te staak, at Maroela Media

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