Timeslive reports that the blockading of two hospitals in the North West by protesters was decried by parliament's Select Committee on Social Services on Wednesday.  

Chairperson Cathy Dlamini said “provision of life-saving services to patients should always take priority above any discontent”.  It was reported on Wednesday morning that doctors were being prevented from entering the Tshepong and Klerksdorp hospitals.  Dlamini said ambulances were also being prevented from entering the hospital grounds at Tshepong.  Staff are protesting against a shortage of healthcare workers and alleged corruption in the department.  Community workers and counsellors have also joined them in protest against low remuneration.  The committee called for intervention from the departments of health at national and province level‚ as well as the police.

• A short report is at Timeslive
• Read the Select Committee’s press statement at Parliament Online
• See too, 'Robbing patients of life-saving care can never be justified', at News24
• And also, Public healthcare services in disarray in North West and Gauteng, at BusinessLive

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page