GEORGE NEWS - The Critical Care Society of Southern Africa (CCSSA) condemned the nationwide public service strike in a media statement on Friday 10 March, saying that it poses a severe threat to the lives of critically ill patients in intensive care.
In George, public healthcare facilities have not been affected by the wage dispute strike. Workers are demanding a 10% wage increase, while government is offering 4,7%.
Following news reports of bullying and harassment of non-striking healthcare professionals who are trying to provide care to patients, the CCSSA (a society of healthcare professionals who work with ICU patients) said the strike action jeopardises the health and lives of patients who are already in a critical condition.
Prof Fathima Paruk, president of CCSSA, said such action goes against the ethical principles of the health care profession.
"The CCSSA acknowledges the financial and work pressures facing nurses and other health care professionals working in the public health sector. However, we condemn any actions that compromise patient safety and well-being. The current strike action amounts to severe abuse of the human rights of patients by those who are meant to be custodians of their welfare while they are ill," said Paruk.
On Friday 11 March, the Western Cape departments of health and social development were granted an interdict against striking public service employees affiliated to Nehawu. As a result, workers who disrupt operations at government offices and healthcare centres can be arrested.
Nehawu Southern Cape and Klein-Karoo regional secretary Mkonso Mfedu said they only held small demonstrations as they did not want to disrupt services, but tried to create awareness of the wage dispute.
"Nehawu understands that critically ill people and patients that require emergency treatment have to be attended to. It is untrue that Nehawu is using bullying tactics and intimidation to prevent non-striking members from resuming their duties .... We therefore would like bodies such as the CCSSA to direct their anger at government that refuses to appreciate public servants by giving them a decent increase. The strike will not end because it’s a matter of financial survival for civil servants."
Mfedu on Monday 13 March said they would be demonstrating again in George on Tuesday.
The CCSSA has called on Government and regulatory bodies to intervene to avoid the unnecessary morbidity and mortality resulting from the ongoing strike.
“As health care professionals, we have a duty to prioritise patient safety and well-being. We therefore also call upon union leadership to immediately call off the strike action to prevent any further unnecessary suffering and death," said Paruk.
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