R150m set aside to employ 143 doctors in Limpopo

Koketšo Sekhwela

While 143 doctors are set for employment in the next fiscal year, those affiliated with South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu), said they would make sure that the jobs materialise with fair compensation and equal treatment.

Limpopo’s Health Department earmarked R150m for the employment across healthcare facilities in the province, following months of medical doctor protests across the country, who demanded jobs from government.

This was announced by the Treasury MEC, Seaparo Sekoati when he delivered the provincial budget speech recently.

“We have noted the change in contractual conditions of recently employed doctors, showing less remuneration for longer working hours – when compared to the older doctors,” trade union provincial treasurer, Dr Rebone Nemaungane told Polokwane Observer.

The department has in recent weeks advertised several doctor vacancies in light of the budget.

Nemaungane said they would appreciate an improved approach to resource capacity in healthcare facilities to augment existing challenges, like that of water.

“Doctors go to work without taking a shower because of a shortage of water for long periods, while water tankers have their own inconsistencies. These have been communicated to various leaders of the department and nothing has changed,” she explained.

Health spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana could not be reached for comment at the time of going to print.