TZANEEN – Forensic pathology officers at Letaba Hospital outside Tzaneen, and other hospitals in Limpopo, have joined the rest of the provinces in picketing.

The officers were seen holding placards saying, “R5 000 allowance for evisceration” and “Forensic pathology exploited since 2017”.

An evisceration is the removal of viscera (internal organs, especially those in the abdominal cavity), which is done to find out the cause of death.

According to a forensic pathology officer working at a public hospital in the province, who spoke on condition of anonymity, they are picketing because they no longer want the R700 monthly allowance they are getting for the procedure.

“As forensic pathology officers, we are not trained to do the procedure; only pathologists are trained to do the work, but for years now, we have been doing the job for pathologists for only R700 allowance.

“We are now saying this is not our job, but the job of a pathologist. We can go ahead doing the job if we get a monthly allowance of R5 000,” he said.

The disgruntled employees have been picketing since Monday, only during lunchtime.

However, they promise that if their demands are not considered, next Monday they will go to work, but won’t perform any eviscerations.

Other hospitals noted for picketing include Elim Hospital, Mokopane Hospital, and various locations across the country.