“Doctors will, naturally, be more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 because of the conditions they are surrounded by daily. It is vital that proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available at all times to them and to other healthcare workers,” says Dr Angelique Coetzee, chairperson of SAMA.
According to official figures released by the Department of Health yesterday, 27 360 reported cases of coronavirus among health care workers have been reported. This figure comprises of 22 percent infections in the private sector and 78 percent in the public sector. Of this number, 1 644 cases are doctors, 14 143 are nurses, 11 545 are from other categories of health workers, and 28 are from Port Health workers. The Department notes that to date 240 healthcare workers have died as a result of COVID-19.
Dr Coetzee says SAMA is acutely aware of the risks posed to doctors by the pandemic, and is doing all it can to ensure every doctor in South Africa has access to proper PPE, at all times. She says the risks are not only carried by the doctors, but also their families.
Dr Coetzee says the continued dedication and professionalism by doctors who face these risks must be commended and applauded as they are often working long hours under extreme circumstances to assist patients.
