back to SAMATU News

Media Statement: SAMATU’s response to the press briefing held by the Minister of Health about unemployed doctors

Published on February 06, 2024

For immediate release:
05 February 2023

The South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU) voices deep disappointment and utter dismay at the Minister of Health's briefing session held today on the alarming issue of unemployed doctors following their community service. SAMATU is displeased with the lack of substantial action and the clear absence of strategic solutions offered by the Department of Health, reiterated in today's messaging.

It is a disheartening reality that year after year, the same pivotal issues surface without meaningful intervention or progress. The minister's acknowledgment of these challenges, without presenting an actionable framework to address them, exemplifies a poor showing from the department. It raises severe concerns about the department's commitment to our healthcare practitioners and, by extension, to the health of our nation.

The suggestion that since the affected doctors are independent, some should consider going into private practice, is a slap in the face to those dedicated professionals who have been serving diligently in the public sector, often under challenging conditions, and who remain committed to the principle of equitable access to healthcare for all South Africans. As a trade union, we find this suggestion entirely unacceptable and shortsighted, particularly considering the vast disparities and the limited reach of private healthcare facilities across the country. What is more disconcerting is that that our leaders, safeguarded by their privileges that grant them access to advanced private medical care, do not grasp the urgency of these issues. Such an attitude only serves to widen the gulf between the administration and the hard-working medical professionals on the ground.

SAMATU is calling for the Minister of Health and the department to immediately engage with the reality faced by unemployed doctors who have recently completed their community service. It is time to transition from constant problem reiteration to the development and implementation of robust and sustainable strategies. We demand a dedicated task force to focus on the immediate employment of these doctors in roles that are critical to enhancing our healthcare system.

We insist on an inclusive dialogue that actively involves medical professionals in decision-making processes, ensuring that their expertise and firsthand experiences shape the policies that directly affect their futures and the wellbeing of our citizens.

The Department of Health is hereby urged to take this critical matter in all seriousness and to not defer it any further. SAMATU expects nothing less than a responsible, accountable, and action-oriented approach to addressing and resolving this issue. Doctors are the bedrock of the healthcare system, and we cannot sufficiently reiterate the essence of retaining them in the country, moreover, in the public sector so that they may serve the communities that many of them found inspiration to become doctors from.

ENDS.

Issued by:
Dr Cedric Sihlangu
SAMATU General Secretary

Enquiries:
Bokang Motlhaga
Media & Marketing Officer
069 586 8430