Problems faced at Mpumalanga Hospitals

SAMA supports the issues raised by our members regarding the problems plaguing the public health system and hospitals in Mpumalanga, such as the Themba and Mapulaneng Hospitals. The issues are not new - SAMA is well aware of them and has repeatedly raised these major concerns with the Department of Health in the Province. Unfortunately the situation has only worsened over time.

SAMA has now been made aware of unprotected strike action currently underway at certain hospitals in Mpumalanga and wants to place the following on record:

We have noted our allied partner DENOSA's decision to distance itself from the unprotected strike action and we concur with this view. SAMA accordingly advises its members not to participate in these unprotected industrial actions.

However, in as much as we do not condone this particular unprotected strike action currently underway, we will continue to support issues tabled in the memorandum submitted by affected members. SAMA has contacted provincial and national authorities on the matter, as we hold the view that these issues are significant in nature, should not go unnoticed and, more importantly, should be resolved expeditiously.

Both patients' interests and our members' interests are adversely effected by the untenable service delivery issues highlighted in the memorandum.

SAMA is seeking to urgently get the Department of Health to unequivocally agree to resolve this matter and address the issues at hand.

SAMA, therefore, awaits an urgent meeting with the HOD, the MEC, the Premier and the DG of the National Department of Health.

Our member's rights are our priority.