Health service cut 'reckless'

2008-12-02 23:06

Johannesburg - The downscaling of health services in the Free State because of a lack of funds was "reckless", the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa said on Tuesday.

"We appeal to the department of health to take health of the Free State community seriously," Denosa Free State provincial organiser Ntsime Peter Mahloko said in a statement.

"Should the safety of staff be compromised the department will have to take full responsibility."

Mahloko said the cuts were announced in a circular and were opposed by Denosa.

Among others, all patients except those in high care were to be discharged, routine operations postponed, specialist clinics were not to accept new patients after November 24, and security was to be terminated.

"Surely, the so-called surgery or routine operation are not done for the sake of cosmetic reasons, they are now cancelled based on unavailability of funds."

The "massive discharge" of patients was also not based on their conditions but the unavailability of funds, and terminating security services would compromise health workers' safety, especially over the festive season.

"This is recklessness on the part of the department, and failure to ensure adequate budgeting and sound financial management," Mahloko said.

The Free State health department was not immediately available for comment.

- SAPA