The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in KwaZulu-Natal is deeply concerned by the ongoing crisis of unemployment among doctors in the province and condemns the government’s failure to fulfill its promises to address this pressing issue.
The recent protest by unemployed doctors outside the Natalia building in Pietermaritzburg, which serves as the KZN Head Office for the Health Department, underscores the severity of the situation. Despite assurances from Health Minister Joe Phaahla to employ young doctors in public hospitals by April 1, many remain without job opportunities.
The IFP therefore calls on KZN Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane to immediately ensure that all departmental doctor’s vacancies are filled within the Province.
It is unacceptable that these dedicated professionals had to camp outside throughout the night, awaiting attention from relevant Department leaders and management, only to be ignored.
This blatant disregard for their plight demonstrates the lack of respect and care for professionals within the KZN government.
Furthermore, it is deeply concerning that while public healthcare centers and hospitals in KZN are facing a crisis due to the shortage of medical doctors, the government does not recognise the urgency of employing these qualified professionals.
This negligence exacerbates the healthcare crisis and compromises the quality of services available to our communities.
The IFP stands in solidarity with the over 50 doctors who participated in the protest, demanding accountability and transparency from the Department of Health.
We challenge the government to urgently listen to the pleas of these doctors and take concrete steps to address their grievances.
It is imperative that the government prioritise the recruitment of unemployed doctors and implement fair and transparent employment practices within the healthcare system.
We further call on Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla and his department to fulfill their commitments and ensure that all qualified doctors are placed in positions without further delay.
The IFP remains committed to advocating for the rights and interests of healthcare workers in KwaZulu-Natal and will continue to hold the government accountable for its failures in addressing unemployment in the medical sector.
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Contact
Cllr Thami Ntuli
IFP KZN Chairperson and Premier Candidate
072 585 5000
