Concern over reports of unfilled medical posts

Following reports that medical posts in 7 provinces are not being filled due to budgetary constraints, the DA in the Western Cape is concerned about the impact this will have on the health departments ability to deliver services to those who need them the most.

Lorraine Botha says; “In My Capacity as Chairperson, I will call the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to appear in front of the Committee to inquire how well resourced the Western Cape department of Health is and whether they are facing any challenges in as far as filling of medical posts is concerned.

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) requires that  graduates complete their community service working in state hospitals before they can go on to work in the private sector. This helps ease the burden in state hospitals tremendously.

Access to adequate and quality health care is a right all South Africans should enjoy and this means having access to well trained medical staff. The recent reports are off grave concern as, if true,  they will impact negatively on the hospitals ability to deliver adequate health care to those who rely on state hospitals.

State hospitals are already over-crowded and largely understaffed, not filling vacancies will further exacerbate the problem and ensure that the poorest of the poor suffer the most.

The DA is committed to ensuring that the best possible services are delivered to the people of the Western Cape and this includes making sure all vacancies in critical areas are filled by well-trained staff.”