Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3 min read | 17:02

Two organisations representing healthcare workers, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa and the South African Medical Association, say the Health Department needs to tackle the growing problem of the scarcity of healthcare workers. This follows comments by Health Minister Joe Phaahla that the shortage of healthcare workers was threatening the quality and sustainability of health systems in Africa and worldwide.

From the South African Medical Association (SAMA), Dr Theo Nodikida told Radio Islam International that the shortage of health workers and the public hospital in a crisis stage might collapse the health system if not attended to urgently.

The dangers of the unbearable pressures put on doctors and forcing them to do overtime have a bearing on their mental and physical health.

Several patients could be saved with more assistance from healthcare workers.

According to Dr Nodikida, compounding factors and working conditions, including numeration, are problems. Several factors put together could find greener pastures for members to accept.

Doctors and interns have not been feeding into the doctor’s numbers regarding community service. Dr Nodikida said this had been a challenge because the government, year after year, continues to fail this group of young doctors.

“They are supposed to be placed way before January the first for them to start work. However these continuously fail these doctors.”

Meanwhile, there is considerable concern about doctors immigrating to other countries, exacerbating South Africa’s problem.

According to Dr Nodikida, the government needs to place community service and interns on time and find a system that works so that they don’t get frustrated, as this is part of training.

He added that government must relook at the remuneration of doctors.

He says, “More importantly, infrastructure and availability of equipment for doctors to work in any part of the country. Basic standard is what is an ideal clinic and hospital should be available.”

Listen below to the interview on Radio Islam’s podcast.