The probe into critical vacancies continues

Last month, statistics revealed the number of vacancies at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health had skyrocketed by more than 2 000 over the last financial year.

Democratic Alliance Spokesperson on Health in KZN, Doctor Imran Keeka said the figures painted a ‘worrying picture’ that could potentially have a negative impact on patients seeking adequate health care.

Of particular concern were the vacancies for doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists. Stakeholders committed themselves to raising their concerns at the KZN health portfolio committee meeting.

The outcome of the meeting yielded little charity for Dr Keeka and his counterparts.

“The chairperson of the health portfolio committee did not permit interrogation of the MEC’s comments in the meeting where he questioned where I obtained my information from. What surprised me, and I had the opportunity to raise [the matter] in a sitting of the legislature, was that the MEC himself signed off on the information provided,” he alleged. Dr Keeka said this kind of ‘dodging and diving’ from the department showcased a lack of transparency and accountability to the people of the province.

“I consider this very unfair and to this effect, tabled a motion asking that such suppression to hold government to account ceases. After all, that is what we were voted into office for, as a primary function.”

How will this affect patients in the long run?

Dr Keeka claimed if not for common sense, studies confirmed overworked doctors and nurses were more likely to make serious mistakes or prolong suffering.

“Consultations have to be rushed and often serious illnesses are missed. Like a case of missed liver cancer that was recently brought to my attention. There can be no quality care and people’s suffering will only increase if these posts are not filled. There certainly is no shortage of applicants for these jobs. For example, of the total number of nursing posts advertised, there has been approximately 1300 per cent more applicants.”

In Dr Keeka’s opinion, priority should be given to filling or creating news posts.

“The multitude of professionals applying for these jobs in a time where unemployment is at a high makes it very clear that more needs to be done to ensure less suffering,” he alleged. “This will undoubtedly not only reduce incidences of mistakes by healthcare [but will] provide better service, shorter queues and happier people.” He further stated the department should shift its focus from filling posts at head office to where people’s lives were concerned.

“Budgetary constraints can’t always be used as an excuse. A forward thinking juggling act may be required to reprioritise what is critical.”

He stated the people of KZN deserved a government committed to ensuring opportunities were there for the taking.

“The DA’s opinion is that what we have is far more than just an arm’s length away as it is made to seem,” concluded Dr Keeka.