EWN reports that unions in the health sector have questioned those aspects of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s stimulus package that would see funding to immediately buy beds and linen, saying a quick fix won’t solve the overcrowding at hospitals.
On Friday, Ramaphosa released details of his plan to revitalise the economy, part of which was to fill over 2,000 critical medical posts, including nursing and medical intern positions. Simon Hlungwani of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of SA (Denosa) said much more was needed than simply adding beds, linen and filling a small number of vacant posts to revitalise the health sector. “This should not be a quick fix, it needs proper planning. However, we welcome with caution the initiative in making an effort in addressing the problem,” said Hlungwani. Khaya Xaba of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) agreed that much more needed to be invested to turn around the sector for good. “We need more medicine, better infrastructure and motivated staff and personnel. Of course, that also speaks of issues of better working conditions.”
- Read this report by Mia Lindeque in full at EWN
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