Sama concerned over steps being taken against outspoken doctors

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The SA Medical Association says it is extremely concerned that the Eastern Cape Health Department is taking disciplinary action against three senior doctors who spoke out about the state of health care at state hospitals in Nelson Mandela Bay.

SAMA acting chairperson, dr Mark Sonderup, says they unequivocally support the action of the senior doctors, who were supported by all heads of department in the PE hospital complex.

He says the crackdown on the doctors comes on the heels of the recent non-payment of state doctors.

Sonderup says while the payment issue has largely been resolved the situation highlights the endemic dysfunction in the Eastern Cape Department of Health.

"Appreciating the desperate situation in which they find themselves, we fully support our members' actions" he added.
"These actions followed very exhaustive processes and attempts at numerous levels to try and resolve the core issues within the department, particularly those surrounding the moratorium on staff appointments and proper funding for the services doctors are expected to deliver"," Dr Sonderup pointed out.

"More importantly, the EC Department of Health needs to be reminded that doctors have a moral and ethical duty to point out deficiencies that will cause harm to patients and this has accordingly been done by the doctors involved. This is not a political issue - it is an ethical one" Sonderup said.

Meanwhile, the doctors are receiving further support from the South African Society of Psychiatrists in the Eastern Cape.

The Society says it commends all doctors and other health professionals who strive to deliver quality health care services to the people of the Eastern Cape in the face of crippling staff and resource shortages.

The SA Heart Association has also pledged its support for the PE doctors who face disciplinary action.

The Assocation says any public statement that may have been issued by staff must be viewed in the light of trying to improve conditions for all, especially the patients.

It says every attempt must be made to resolve the situation amicably.