The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is saddened by the dire situation of the shortage of healthcare practitioners especially the medical practitioners and material resources at public or state hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal.

We have heard too many stories of specialists, general practitioners and nurses who leave public service in search of greener pastures in the private sector and outside the country.

What is more disturbing is the failure of the Department of Health to absorb doctors after completing their internship/community service in the state health facilities. We have doctors who are sitting at home because the government led by the ANC continues to fail in performing. This government seemed to be failing to understand that doctors provide essential service.

To make matters worse, the Department of Health prefers to waste taxpayers’ money by paying agencies or labour brokers which hire temporary nurses. Government is also hiring on ad-hoc basis oncologists and radiotherapists from the service providers.

The nation is sick and tired of the excuses made by the Department of Health for its poor performance whilst patients are dying.

It is also disturbing that the KZN Health MEC Dr Sbongiseni Dlomo has credentials for the liberation struggle but he seemed to be failing to service his people and the nation. One would expect a better performance from him. He must resign and accept that he has failed. Patients deserve better.

 

Issued by UDM