Doctors pained by working conditions

POLOKWANE – The doctors embarked on a protest last Thursday, starting from the SABC park to the department of health.

The doctors had resolved at a recent doctors’ imbizo in Polokwane to submit a memorandum of demands and give the department one week to respond.

During the imbizo, some of the burning issues which were raised included poor infrastructure, particularly in rural hospitals, as well as a dire shortage of personnel.

Doctors said a shortage of personnel forced Sama members to work longer than usual shifts, which put strain on both their physical and mental health.

Sama members further said another challenge was that they are excluded in the process when government drafted policies concerning health.

Also included in the memorandum, is the lack of availability of medicine and surgical equipment in hospitals.

Dr Mahlane Phalane, Sama national general secretary, said the issue of poor infrastructure in hospitals and the overtime policy was a national crisis, but Limpopo was among the provinces in which personnel suffered the most.

Rural provinces are far worse when it comes to medical infrastructure and a shortage of staff.

He further said it was a sad reality that doctors were overworked and underpaid, and he hoped the government was willing to reconsider its policies to accommodate their needs. “The quality of healthcare services needs to improve so that even a president can be treated in a public hospital,” he added.

Challenges faced by doctors

Dr Danny Mokumo, one of the frustrated doctors, who is currently doing his community services at Knobel Hospital in Ga Matlala, said the hospital had no resources, while he worked overtime almost daily. “Management does not show any sympathy,” he added. Mokumo said doctors automatically worked long hours to keep the hospitals going.

“Sometimes there are only two doctors in the hospital while there are no specialists. This means we have to attend to every call.”

Dr Lehumo Makwela from Letaba Hospital in Tzaneen said he was the only paediatric specialist at the hospital.

“I’m overworked and this puts strain on both my physical and psychological health,” he said.

Receiving the memorandum, the MEC for health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba said the department was familiar with the demands and has been considering them for some time.

She said it was unfortunate the doctors were impatient while the department formulated an action plan. Over the years, healthcare has been a top priority in the province, Ramathuba said.

“We need to work together as a collective, doctors can’t afford to neglect patients.”

Dr Seshoka Muila, Sama provincial secretary, said they will expect an answer from the MEC by 24 April, failing which would result in doctor “relieving” themselves of their duties.