Labour unions welcome ‘long overdue’ new healthcare positions

THE announcement of 270 new posts to be advertised by KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has been welcomed by the South African Medical Association (SAMA), the Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA), and the DA in KwaZulu-Natal.

- THOBEKA NGEMA

Following an Executive Council meeting last week, Simelane announced that 150 doctor positions (100 medical officers and 50 medical specialists) and 120 nursing positions (40 specialised nurses and 80 entry-level nurses) would be created.

The announcement came after dozens of unemployed doctors held a three-week protest outside the provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg in July.

Simelane said this is to strengthen the public health system and provide essential human capital where it is needed.

The new posts are expected to be advertised this week.

SAMA chairperson Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa said the announcement is a direct and tangible outcome of their urgent interventions with Premier Thamsanga Ntuli in July.

“While this is an important and positive step forward, we must emphasise that it is only a drop in the ocean when compared to the hundreds of doctors still unemployed in KZN and the thousands awaiting posts nationally. The crisis is far from resolved, and sustained action remains essential,’ Mzukwa said.