The Northern Cape MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene has expressed concern about the unfortunate disruptions of health services by NEHAWU at some facilities across the province, especially during the Covid-19 period.
These disruptions come after their national strike action demanding Government to permanently absorb all community health care workers into the public service. In giving context and clarity on this matter, the National Department of Health continues to engage with organised labour in the public health sector at the Public Health and Social Development Sectoral Bargaining Council (PHSDSBC). The National Department has committed to make efforts in resolving this matter at a national level, on behalf of all provincial health departments.
The MEC has in the recent past acknowledged that community health workers add immense value by filling a gap left in the care of the sick and vulnerable people within our very communities. Their role in the primary health care system is essential in order to achieve the high quality of healthcare service delivery that the people of this province deserve.
“Our relationship should not by necessity be antagonistic. Indeed, it does entail an element of the unity and struggle of opposites but together we have a greater opportunity to advance our collective strategic priorities. As a department, we are doing our best to manage this relationship for the benefit of health workers and the public that expects quality public health care.” MEC Lekwene said
Therefore, MEC Lekwene has appealed with the Provincial leadership of NEHAWU to cooperate and allow health facilities to operate unhindered. It must be noted that failure to adhere to this call will result in the department taking necessary steps to protect the health staff, patients and communities, requiring medical care.
The MEC acknowledges the right to strike but not closure of health facilities, as everyone has the constitutional right to have access to health care services.
