HPCSA against striking doctors

2009-05-28 21:06

Johannesburg - The Health Professions Council of SA does not support the strike by public sector doctors over salaries but it acknowledges the need for adequate remuneration packages, it said on Thursday.

"We do not support or condone the strike by public sector doctors over salaries and working conditions as they provide an essential service.

"However we fully acknowledge the urgent need for commensurate remuneration packages and improved working conditions," said HPCSA Registrar and CEO, advocate Boyce Mkhize.

"Public sector doctors are professional health care practitioners working under sometimes extremely challenging conditions while saving lives on a daily basis and should be remunerated accordingly."

Applying for positions overseas

HPCSA statistics indicate that over the past year 3 550 certificates of good standing were issued for medical practitioners alone while 22 032 certificates were issued since 1 April 2003.

The majority of these certificates are requested by doctors applying for positions overseas.

"The HPCSA sets the highest educational standards at medical universities to ensure the training of our doctors is amongst the best in the world and we need to keep these doctors in this country serving our public," said Mkhize.

The council called for mediation between the strikers and the department of health which would bring an end to the protest action.

Doctors who are members of the SA Medical Association will march in Pretoria on Friday with a few other marches planned in other provinces as well.
 

- SAPA