Resignation of doctors does not represent a crisis

(picture source)

14 June 2010

The Gauteng Health and Social Development Department has noted reports in the international media arising from our response to the legislature on 31 May 2010 on the expiry of contracts of the medical officers at Leratong Hospital on the west rand early this year.

MEC for Health, Qedani Mahlangu, would therefore like to re-assure the world that our institutions in the province have full capacity to deal with any emergencies that may arise.

In her response the MEC stated that four doctors resigned at the hospital after their community service contracts expired, three took up registrar posts with tertiary institutions, four took up employment with the regional health department, three took up employment with the private sector and no reason specified for three resignations.

“Contrary to what has been reported in the media, our hospitals, clinics and emergency services stand ready to deal with any situation that may arise due to the measures we have put in place. So far our emergency personnel and hospital staff have been able to deal satisfactorily with all cases which occurred at match venues, fan parks and at hospitals since the world cup started.”

Even the world soccer governing body FIFA has expressed confidence in the health facilities’ abilities to deal with any emergencies should any arise.

The quick response to scenes where our emergency personnel were called out to was made possible by the 60 ambulances we procured in the current financial year and the 321 emergency personnel we have recruited to ensure that we respond adequately to any eventuality.

With regard to Forensic Pathology Services (FPS), we will provide 24 hour service during the tournament. Four FPS - Diepkloof, Johannesburg, Roodepoort and Pretoria - have been designated for mass deaths situations.

In addition to the measures taken, the department has also extended hours of operation at our health facilities. Pharmacies in public hospitals are operating until 10 pm daily and private pharmacies have also have extended trading hours during the tournament.

A total of five hospitals and two community health centres have been earmarked as World Cup referral facilities in case of emergencies. These are: Chris Hani Baragwanath, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic, Helen Joseph, Steve Biko Academic and Tshwane District hospitals. Hillbrow and Lillian Ngoyi Community Health Centres have also been designated.

In addition to the above facilities, hospitals with Folateng wards at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic, Helen Joseph, Pretoria West and Sebokeng Hospitals are also 2010 FIFA World Cup referral facilities.

Our health workers at the two ports of entry at Lanseria and OR Tambo airports have also been able to quickly attend to visitors with no certificates for diseases such yellow fever.

MEC Mahlangu has also thanked thousands of heath and emergency workers who continue to work tirelessly to ensure that we deliver a safe and successful tournament.

Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013

Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
14 June 2010