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SAMA MET WITH THE NORTHERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AS AN URGENT RESPONSE TO THE ATTACK OF DOCTORS AT ROBERT SOBUKWE HOSPITAL
Earlier this week SAMA was saddened to learn about another attack of two doctors at the Robert Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberely. SAMA holds the view that the Department of Health, as the employer, has undisputed and statutory duty to protect its employees from any form of danger or harm. Provision of healthy and safe working environment is a duty entrusted to each and every employer.
SAMA further holds the view that the attack of these two doctors would not have been possible if the Department played its role of ensuring that the Hospital is safe and secured. In a meeting held with the senior officials of the Department of Health in the Northern Cape on Wednesay the 22nd of September 2021, SAMA addressed its concerns of inadequate security at the facility and urged the Department to implement more stringent security measures including employment of qualified and trained security personnel, installation of CCTV, panic battons and basic however more stricter implementation of the National Guidelines on Safety & Security.
It was resolved in the meeting that stricter security measures will be put in place and that by no later than 13th of October 2021 a detailed report on steps taken will be released. SAMA will now also be part of a Security Task Team to ensure that due security measures are put in place.
SAMA is concerned about safety of its members and patients alike and encourage members to send SAMA their security concerns at their respective institutions to labour@samedical.org
SAMA will then continue to engage further on these issues which are taken very seriously.
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