40 nursing posts - 1 applicant
2005-08-22 16:26
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Kulani Mavunda
Nelspruit - Only one nurse has responded to adverts for posts at two deep rural hospitals in Mpumalanga.
The department of health and social services advertised 20 posts at both Tonga and Shongwe hospitals, which are near the northern border of Swaziland, department spokesperson, Mpho Gabashane, said on Monday.
"We received only one application for Tonga, and none for Shongwe," he said.
The department started advertising the posts from March and had hoped to fill the posts by May.
Gabashane said the department offered a special allowance to try lure nurses and other health professionals to rural areas.
"We have also catered for basic necessities like free accommodation and recreational facilities," he said.
"But it seems they would rather not move to rural areas."
He said the allowance amounted to 12% of the nurse's annual salary each month.
He said the salaries varied, depending on whether the nurse was a staff nurse, sister or matron.
The government is, however, considering introducing compulsory community service for nurses, after which they man then seek work at a health centre of their choice, he added.
- African Eye