22 November 2022

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has noted with concern unprotected industrial action by certain individuals at some of its healthcare facilities earlier today.

This action had minimal impact on the functionality of these hospitals and clinics, except for UMgungundlovu District, where services were stalled for a while at Greys Hospital.

A few facilities were forced to work with skeletal staff while staff embarked on picketing for a limited period of time.

However, the provision of health services at Greys Hospital only resumed at midday after a blockade of access to the hospital from 5 am because of the industrial action.

Services resumed soon after the gates were opened for staff to walk in and report at their work stations.

The Department wishes to caution all members of the public - including leaders and members of organised labour - against the blockading of access routes and entrances to clinics and hospital, as this could result in unnecessary and avoidable loss of lives.

"We are making an appeal to the conscience of those who participate in these kind of gatherings to refrain from blocking access points to our health facilities. People who end up bearing the brunt of these blockages are innocent healthcare users who may be really sick and might even die if they don't get attended to by health professionals. We would also like to remind all healthcare professionals that they are classified as essential services, which means they are prohibited from embarking on strike action. We wish to make an appeal to leaders and members of organised labour to utilise all established channels to engage with the Department on any pertinent issue. This is the only prudent approach as it will avoid any unintended consequences such as loss of lives due to disruption to normal service delivery," says Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane.

While the Department is relieved that there have been no major complications, it will continue closely to monitor the situation on the ground.

Issued by the KZN Department of Health.