Over 40 healthcare facilities in S.Africa affected by union strike

by IANS |

Johannesburg, March 9 (IANS) South Africa's Department of Health said that the ongoing violent and disruptive strike by public sector workers has impacted more than 40 healthcare facilities in the country.

"There are a number of major hospitals in six provinces that have been affected by this violent strike," Foster Mohale, the department's spokesperson, told Xinhua news agency on Wednesday.

The strike by the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union started on Monday as the workers demanded a 10-to-12-per cent salary increment, but the administration had only put forward an offer of less than 5 per cent.

Some striking employees were obstructing ambulances from bringing patients to hospitals, while some were locking the canteens where patients were served food, Mohale said.

"We are concerned about patients dying. Health workers should know that they are essential workers, and they should not be embarking on strikes," he said, adding that some hospitals were releasing patients because no one was available to care for them.

"Any form of violence and intimidation directed at health workers, patients, and infrastructure is condemned in the strongest terms," he said.

Latest News
ChatGPT, electronic devices used to cheat in TSPSC exams Tue, May 30, 2023, 12:51 PM
Tea, chia seeds, apples & dark chocolate may keep age-related memory loss at bay Tue, May 30, 2023, 12:47 PM
Amit Shah likely to chair all-party meeting in Manipur Tue, May 30, 2023, 12:42 PM
Domestic financial markets remained orderly in 2022-23, says RBI annual report Tue, May 30, 2023, 12:31 PM
Yemen's Houthis accuse Saudi border guards of killing 2 civilians Tue, May 30, 2023, 12:26 PM
Amit Shah likely to chair all-party meeting in Manipur Tue, May 30, 2023, 12:23 PM
Goa to prepare 'Vision Document' for next 25 yrs: CM Tue, May 30, 2023, 12:15 PM
Electric-2 wheeler that charges within 12 minutes arrives in India Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:58 AM
IPL 2023: 'I couldn't be more happy, he is a gun player', CSK coach hails Jadeja for match-winning performance Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:52 AM
Delhi High Court dismisses Manish Sisodia's bail plea in excise policy case Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:38 AM
Kerala CPI(M) begins probe into CITU leader's spouse buying Rs 50L MINI Cooper Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:29 AM
Cambodian King Sihamoni gets ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:17 AM
Imran Khan called for questioning over attack on Lahore Corps Commander House Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:14 AM
Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez calls for early general election Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:03 AM
Karnataka RTI activist death case handed over to CID Tue, May 30, 2023, 11:01 AM