Union tackles health minister

THE Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa) yesterday urged Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi to address the critical shortage of staff in the public health system. Hospersa general secretary Noël Desfontaines said there appeared to be a paradox where newly qualified doctors remained unemployed, while there was a critical staff shortage at public hospitals and clinics. “Hospersa is very concerned about this situation. On the one hand we have a confirmed shortage of staff, but on the other we hear of qualified healthcare professionals who remain unemployed,” he said. Desfontaines was referring to a media briefing last week where Motsoaledi claimed there were 147 posts available for unemployed doctors. – ANA