The Inkatha Freedom Party once again expresses its grave concern over the dire situation of unemployed doctors in South Africa. It condemns the insufficient response of the Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, on this matter.
The IFP considers the recent demonstration by approximately 80 unemployed Doctors in KwaZulu-Natal to be a mere glimpse of the country’s broader healthcare crisis.
The IFP believes that the government’s acknowledgement of the crisis and attribution of it to budget cuts is paltry and unacceptable, especially when it cannot be ignored that funds were misappropriated due to corruption within the ANC government.
The Inkatha Freedom Party strongly emphasises the urgent need for the government to fulfil its promise and create ample opportunities for local and foreign-qualified South African Doctors who possess the potential to enhance and positively impact public health significantly.
The government must take the issue of unemployment among healthcare professionals seriously and implement solutions that benefit all stakeholders, including Doctors, nurses, and patients, without further burdening the already struggling healthcare system.
The IFP urges the Minister to prioritise and address the pressing issue of unemployment among doctors. Concrete and practical solutions must be presented, including accountability measures such as tracking and creating spaces for Foreign Qualified South African Doctors to sit the HPCSA board exam.
The fact that we have qualified medical professionals unable to practice their profession due to continued bureaucratic ineptitude beggars all belief.
Failure to take decisive action will erode trust in the Minister and the government’s ability to resolve the ongoing crisis within the healthcare system, with the South African citizen being the ultimate losers.
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Contact
Honourable MD Hlengwa, MP
IFP MP on the Portfolio Committee of Health, National Assembly, Parliament
073 999 0741
