The Eastern Cape Health Department Health Department has moved to assure all health workers that it will continue to distribute masks and protective clothing to frontline health workers.
This assurance followed a protest by staff at Dora Nginza Hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay on Monday.
In a statement, Department spokesperson, Sizwe Kupelo, said hospital management has since corrected the situation and distributed protective clothing to staff.
“Even in this instance, we would like to reassure all health workers at Dora Nginza Hospital and across the province that their safety will not be compromised as they are in the front line in the fight against Covid-19,” he said.
Kupelo said their medical depots are also distributing protective gear to all health facilities across the Eastern Cape in line with a directive from the Head of Department, Dr Thobile Mbengashe for health workers to wear masks at all times.
“Over and above the masks that all workers have to wear, the department is ensuring that there are enough gloves, aprons, disposable gowns, and eye protection goggles.”
“The health of our staff is paramount as we need all hands on deck during this challenging period. The last thing we need is for workers, who are crucial in the fight against this pandemic, to start panicking,” Kupelo said.
“We are calling for calm and promise that workers will receive all the protective gear as directed by Dr Mbengashe.”
