Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
29 January 1997
Following a television news report on doctors leaving the public sector, the position in Gauteng requires clarification.
There are currently two main "routes" for people leaving the public sector: Normal resignation and the severance package.
When it comes to medical doctors, we have comprehensive, up-to-date figures for severance packages. But figures on straightforward resignations from August 1 1996 to December 31 1996 are still being collated. We should be in a position to release these at the end of this week.
The Gauteng Department of Health, which employs about 53 000 workers, has so far granted about 2 000 severance package applications, covering staff in all categories of work (medical, administrative and support). It has turned down about 1 000 severance applications (a statement detailing this was released by MEC for Health Mr Amos Masondo on Monday January 20).
Of the 2 000 staff granted severance packages up to January 15 1997, a total of 77 were doctors (including specialists).
However, there are other doctors who have simply resigned. And figures regarding these will be released at the end of the week, so that the media can get an overall picture of the loss of public sector doctors in Gauteng over the last year.
Jo-Anne Collinge Director Health Promotion and Communication Tel: 082 574 5510