Ground Up reports that scores of unemployed doctors, nurses and other health workers marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Monday, calling for the Presidency to intervene in the ongoing financial problems facing the health sector.

One of their main demands is for the health budget to be increased to absorb about 800 medical professionals. Deputy President of the South African Medical Association, Dr Nkateko Minisi, said: “Other health professionals in the allied sectors, including pharmacy, are here with us to hand over a memorandum to build up the health system. But to do so, we feel that human capital must be optimised by hiring all these unemployed professionals. Not tomorrow, not next week but now!” she said.

Mnisi said more than 80% of the population depends on public health services. “Healthcare is not a privilege that should be enjoyed by some; it is a basic human right that every single person deserves.” Communications Manager at The Presidency, Phil Mahlangu accepted the group’s memorandum. He said that the presidency was “immensely worried as the presidency about the negative issues affecting the medical industry”. He promised the protestors a response within a week.

by Silver Sibiya