South African Medical Association

Media Release: Overtime

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
07 December 2016

Overtime

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) notes with concern the new overtime policy for public healthcare personnel signed and released by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi. The new policy is to be implemented by the provincial health departments.

“This development has caused a great deal of anxiety within the medical fraternity because it has overtaken the current consultative labour processes. At the time of the release of the final draft, the medical profession was awaiting further consultation for ratification of the proposed amendments. The Minister appears to have overlooked this important step in the process,” commented Dr Mzukisi Grootboom, chairperson of SAMA.

SAMA said the proposed unilateral changes to the overtime policy has serious implications for the profession, and the public. It said the proposed changes render the provision of overtime by doctors impossible in that it requires them to work without proper compensation, and that it will result in many doctors withdrawing from overtime, effectively crippling delivery of healthcare services.

SAMA said it is critically important for the Department of Health to provide after hours services as this provides healthcare support and cover for life threatening emergencies. It is also important for doctors to provide continued care to clear backlogs from day care which is affected by shortages of health personnel.

“We reject this attempt to force public sector doctors to abide by this policy. For this reason the Industrial Relations Department of SAMA is preparing to lodge a formal dispute with the National Bargaining Council,” Dr Grootboom said.
SAMA advised its members to continue providing overtime work according to the present contractual arrangements while the bargaining processes are being followed. It said this temporary arrangement should be done in the best interest of the public while attempts are made to further engage with the Minister and the Department of Health.

Notes to Editors
About SAMA
The South African Medical Association was formally constituted on 21 May 1998 as a unification of a variety of doctors’ groups that had represented a diversity of interests. SAMA is a non-statutory, professional association for public, and private sector medical practitioners. SAMA is a voluntary membership association, existing to serve the best interests and needs of its members in any and all healthcare related matters.

Contact:
Head of PR & Communications
Dr Simonia Magardie
082 905 8505
Email: simoniam@samedical.org

Spokesperson
Chairperson: SAMA
Dr Mzukisi Grootboom
083 306 7779
Email: mzukisi@mweb.co.za

Spokesperson 2
Vice-Chairperson: SAMA
Prof Mark Sonderup
083 626 1909
Email: msonderup@samedical.co.za

 

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