The Gauteng Department of Health is prioritising Public Relations (as usual) instead of making a genuine effort to fix public healthcare facilities
- September 11, 2024
- Health
- 0 Comments
In response to the viral video by former 702 broadcaster, Tom London, about the conditions at Helen Joseph Hospital, two health unions have issued statements which we’ve published as is. Press Statement by the Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union (HAITU) The Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union (HAITU) has noted the video that went viral, which was recorded by former 702 broadcaster, Tom London where he relates his shocking experience as a patient at Helen Joseph Hospital. If Mr. London had been admitted to Chris Hani Baragwaneth, Charlotte Maxeke or Rahima Moosa hospitals, he would have had the very same experience. What he is saying is what HAITU has said for years in countless media interviews and on public platforms. His complaints are the complaints of every single patient who uses public healthcare facilities in this country. And yet, not a single apology was ever issued by the Gauteng Department of Health to any of these people. Seemingly, the complaints of a single white male journalist are louder than the cries of millions of patients who have to endure shocking conditions in our hospitals every single day, and whose demands for an improvement, have landed on deaf ears. This tells you very clearly the constituency that the ANC government cares most about. They do not care about workers in the healthcare sector who have raised these issues consistently, on a daily basis, and they certainly do not care about the millions of patients, who are mostly poor and Black who are forced to suffer extreme indignity. The MEC of health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, is showing once again that she cannot cut it. She has mastered the art of “Lesufism” where all you have to do is walk around with an entourage of cameras to create the impression that work is being done, when nothing tangible has changed. The MEC is pushing public relations to cover up for a failure of service delivery. Even in this instance, her immediate response was to take pictures of herself at Helen Joseph Hospital to create the illusion that she is working. What has her publicity campaign achieved, absolutely nothing! The department wants to investigate doctors for bad service because they failed to implement the “I serve with a smile campaign”. HAITU is not justifying the shocking treatment by doctors at the hospital. It is important for healthcare workers to treat all patients with dignity and respect, regardless of their background. However, the “I Serve with a Smile” campaign cannot work if the employer is cruel to workers. If the employer is brutal, that brutality will translate onto patients. Workers are exposed to shocking conditions, they are human after all and they are forced to deal directly with the anger of patients when the system fails. Furthermore, this current administration of the GDOH did not launch the “I serve with a smile campaign” nine months ago. It was launched by Dr Ashley Mthunzi in Pholosong Hospital to make sure the community of Tsakane gets proper care. They must give proper credit to those who launched it. HAITU rejects the notion that the National Health Insurance (NHI) should be scrapped because of the poor state of public hospitals, as suggested by Mr. London. The NHI will actually help to improve conditions in hospitals. For the NHI to work, all public healthcare facilities will have to be drastically improved. We cannot justify a situation where a tiny section of the population can access quality healthcare, whilst the majority of people are forced to be treated like ‘cockroaches’ and have their dignity violated every day. It cannot be correct to demonise the NHI when it is the only solution which has been created to improve healthcare for the entire population. We cannot continue with the status quo where a tiny segment of the population gets quality healthcare, and everyone else suffers. As HAITU, we challenge him on this aspect of the argument. The solution must be quality healthcare for all, not just for the elite. That is the only humane solution. We are in this situation because national treasury is implementing austerity measures and this has resulted in major cut backs to public healthcare. The poor state of hospital infrastructure is a consequence of austerity measures. The situation has been exacerbated by extreme corruption particularly within the Department of Infrastructure and Development, which is responsible for improving hospital infrastructure. We must end austerity and massively increase infrastructure spending to improve healthcare, if we hope to see any real improvements in service.ENDS SAMATU cautions against the vilification of doctors for systemic failures of the healthcare system The South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU) is deeply concerned about the distressing state of public healthcare facilities in South Africa. The persistent issues related to infrastructure inadequacies are a significant impediment to the delivery of high-quality healthcare services. While these challenges continue to strain our healthcare system, it is crucial to recognise that healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, are often unjustly held accountable by frustrated patients for circumstances beyond their control. SAMATU fervently wishes to caution against the vilification of our dedicated doctors for the overarching systemic failures within the public healthcare sector. Doctors and medical personnel work tirelessly under difficult conditions, characterised by outdated and insufficient medical facilities, scarcity of essential medicines, and prolonged waiting times. These professionals remain committed to providing the best care possible under overwhelmingly trying circumstances, often putting their own well-being at risk. It is imperative that both the public and relevant authorities address the root causes of these systemic issues. The healthcare crisis we face today requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, including government, healthcare management, and the public. To actively resolve these issues, substantial investments in infrastructure, improved management practices, and increased funding for essential services are urgently needed. SAMATU calls upon the government and the Department of Health to take immediate and effective measures to overhaul the current inadequate infrastructure. We also urge the public to stand with our doctors and
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