Limpopo doctors demand action as hospitals face staff shortages
Doctors in Limpopo, led by Samatu, marched to demand the hiring of 150 unemployed medical graduates, citing understaffed hospitals and misallocated healthcare funds as key concerns.
POLOKWANE – Members of the South African Medical Association (Samatu) in Limpopo held a march on Tuesday, submitting a memorandum of demands to the Department of Health.
They are calling for the employment of 150 medical doctors, highlighting that many graduates funded by the department for their studies remain unemployed.
Recently, only 50 positions were advertised, prompting frustration from the union.
Samatu provincial treasurer, Dr Rivoni Nemaungani, voiced concerns about the state of healthcare in the province.
“We are unhappy with the condition of the Department of Health. There are 150 unemployed doctors funded by the department, and many of our hospitals are severely understaffed and dysfunctional,” he said.
Health spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana, acknowledged the issue, explaining that budget cuts and limited resources have made it difficult to address staffing shortages. The department has advertised 54 doctor positions, and he said that they are working with available resources.
Some doctors also raised concerns about the misallocation of R20m intended to refurbish dental units across the province, citing equipment failures and poor maintenance.
A doctor, who wished to remain anonymous, reported being transferred to Pietersburg Provincial Hospital after machinery at the Rethabile Clinic fell into disrepair.
The union has given the department a 7-14 day deadline to address these issues and provide a response.
