BY: SINETHEMBA ZONDI
The South African Medical Association (SAMA) is concerned about the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health’s handling of the issue of unemployed doctors who have completed their internships. The president of SAMA, Mvuyisi Mzukwa, stated that the doctors facing unemployment were promised placements by Health Minister Dr. Joe Phaahla to be implemented by April 1.
“Doctors are struggling in healthcare facilities after studying with the hope of being paid. The government is not handling the situation properly. We are dealing with people who do not tell the truth from the top at the Department of Health”, said president of SAMA, ,Mvuyisi Mzukwa.
The Minister said he would speak to other ministers about this issue, but to date, it is unclear when they will be placed. “This issue has caused unrest as seen in uMgungundlovu. We are concerned about unemployed doctors before the KZN Health Department office, headed by Nomagugu Simelane, and we will walk with them to ensure those left behind are included,” Mzukwa said.
Busisiwe Mancotywa of the committee overseeing unemployed doctors in KZN said that since February 17, 187 doctors in KwaZulu-Natal have been unemployed, reduced from 170.
“This number is much lower than expected. We thank those who have taken steps to address many of the things we need as we sit before the KZN Health Department office,” Busisiwe added.
Thuba Nkabinde said that since they began addressing this office, they have had two meetings with the department head, Sandile Tshabalala, but there are still disagreements. “We will continue to stay here until we reach a satisfactory conclusion,” Nkabinde said. The Health Department announced that the province’s Director-General will make a decision on this matter.
