State medics want answers
SECURING and acquiring a medical seat in South Africa at renowned universities is like trying to fit through the eye of a needle, “Medical interns in South Africa are overworked” (January 29).
A few will be off to their respective universities, some to medical schools like Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa.
To these deans and universities that have acknowledged and realised the potential of the 2016 matriculants who earned six and seven distinctions, you are instrumental in realising hopes and dreams. You have given these young, grateful adults a foot in the door to begin their long walks.
But staff shortages, malfunctioning medical equipment that hinders early diagnosis, and misadministration and misappropriation of allocated funds cause havoc in the system.
The tragic accident in June last year on the N1 at Paarl where junior doctor Ilne Markwat crashed into oncoming traffic shows the effect of those long working hours.
There are expectations and accountability. Which is why state medical doctors are awaiting answers. — Shameema Omar, Durban North
Unwelcome white doctors
MY son is a highly qualified doctor with several years’ experience. He is willing to work in rural areas. His only problem is that he is white.
He wanted to work in government hospitals to make a difference. But after his last interview (where he was the only applicant) he was advised he was not suitable and they would re-advertise the position.
He is now working overseas. — Name withheld, by e-mail