‘Health, Treasury are enemies to health profession’ – Sama

Health professionals have pointed out the Provincial Treasury Department and Department of Health as their biggest enemies when it comes to salary payouts and appointing doctors in various health institutions in the province
This was discussed during a South African Medical Association (Sama) special meeting at a venue in the city on Tuesday evening. Polokwane Observer reported last week that medical interns appointed in different health facilities and doctors might not get their salaries at the end of the month based on information gained from Sama. The meeting on Tuesday focused on a number of issues relating to salaries, commuted overtime and appointment of doctors among others.
Sama Provincial Secretary, Seshoka Muila claimed that the Provincial Treasury Department was the root cause of most issues experienced by medical professionals in Limpopo and tyat an urgent solution was needed because doctors can’t work long hours without getting their salaries or commuted overtime. It was alleged that most of the interns’ personal information was not captured on the persal system implying that they were unlikely to get salaries.
Muila indicated that they had requested a list of interns from the Department of Health to verify if all the interns were captured on the Persal system and had received Persal numbers but it was not made available. “Last year in January several doctors got paid salaries meant for interns and without commuted overtime. This has to stop and doctors must decide on a way forward to stop the maltreatment from the two departments,” he stated.
One of the speakers, Felix Masinge named the human resource departments in hospitals as another enemy and reiterated that there were about 1 000 doctors needed in 42 hospitals across the province yet medical graduates are roaming the streets without jobs. He further said doctors needed to strengthen the profession and pave the way for upcoming medical professionals.
At the time of going to print, the Department of Education Spokesperson, Thabiso Teffo could not tell if all the doctors and interns got paid yesterday (Wednesday) and Provincial Treasury Department Spokesperson Sydwell Sibanda was unavailable to comment.

Story & photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za