Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says the deaths of healthcare professionals have highlighted the need to improve conditions in the public health sector.
He was responding to the report by the Health Ombud, which found no evidence linking a series of healthcare worker deaths in KwaZulu-Natal to systematic failure.
The Health Ombud cleared public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal of any direct link to a series of deaths involving healthcare professionals that sparked national concern and intense public scrutiny over the past year.
Motsoaledi says the government is reviewing policies affecting healthcare workers.
“I’m hoping the work will start. They will confirm whether the Ombud had correct findings or not. So, I’m inviting you even on this one. Don’t think your life is safe if you are unhappy. You can still lodge a complaint. We will set that tribunal in terms of the law, and the people who were not involved in this, who are judges will come and review and say, ‘Ombud, here you are wrong and here you are right’. I just thought it’s important to show that.”
While the investigation found no causal link between the deaths and workplace conditions, Ombud Professor Taole Mokoena says the loss of skilled personnel has nevertheless had a significant impact on healthcare services.
More details in the report below:
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