Durban — The Public Servants Association (PSA) has taken the plight of healthcare workers to the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government and has called for the issue to be addressed urgently.
The PSA highlighted challenges at hospitals, including Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme Hospital, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital and Clairwood Hospital.
The PSA members have raised concerns about Prince Mshiyeni Hospital because it has an asbestos roof.
Among key issues raised in a PSA memorandum, delivered on August 16, was a critical shortage of healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, cleaners, security personnel, and administrative support staff.
The PSA said the shortage had strained health-care delivery at numerous institutions across KZN.
Provincial PSA manager Mlungisi Ndlovu said efforts were made to advance the rights and interests of health-care employees after they met KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane last week. This was after several letters and pickets in the past few months by PSA members at Prince Mshiyeni in uMlazi.
Ndlovu said the head of department would convene a meeting with the PSA to address all outstanding concerns raised in the memorandum.
He said the PSA’s efforts were ongoing to ensure improved conditions for health-care workers. Historical issues plagued health-care facilities.
Ndlovu said Ntuli had committed to decisive intervention by directing relevant parties to ensure that labour and management forums in the Health Department were revitalised.
Ntuli emphasised the need for management and PSA members to work collaboratively towards a solutions-driven agenda, setting aside differences to prioritise the well-being of health-care workers and the quality of care delivered to patients.
“This has created an opportunity for the PSA to strengthen its working relationship with the government,” Ndlovu said.
The PSA said it remained committed to upholding the principles of constitutional collective bargaining and believed that dialogue in established frameworks was essential in resolving workers’ issues. The PSA urged employers to foster a conducive working environment, which is critical to promoting fair labour practices and safeguarding the rights of workers.
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Daily News