The rallying call of unemployed doctors highlights the urgent need for action from the Eastern Cape government. Having completed their community medical services, these doctors are left in limbo, unable to fulfill their commitments to the communities they have served. The Premier’s office has become the focal point of their demands, which underscores the criticality of job placements for the stability of the healthcare system.
The desperate situation faced by these doctors stems from unmet assurances made by the Department of Health. Many have served their communities but were left jobless due to budget constraints, creating a gap in healthcare provision. The situation is particularly grim in rural areas where access to medical care remains precarious, proving the necessity for immediate action to employ these qualified professionals.
Should their demands continue to be ignored at the provincial level, these doctors are prepared to mobilize nationwide to present their case to the national government. They understand the importance of healthcare delivery and are committed to advocating for their rights as essential workers. The emerging sentiment among the group is clear: without urgent intervention, lives may be at risk due to inadequate healthcare availability.
A group of unemployed doctors in the Eastern Cape is urgently appealing to the provincial government for alternative funding models that would allow them to be absorbed into the Public Health Care System. The 2024 Community Services cohort has been protesting at the Premier's Office in Bhisho since Monday, insisting that the government fulfill its commitments to secure job placements for them. The situation has turned into a frustrating ordeal for these healthcare professionals, many of whom served diligently in various communities throughout the province before being laid off due to funding issues. As essential workers, they argue that their skills are necessary for safeguarding public health, particularly in rural areas that lack adequate medical services. The doctors, who find themselves in this predicament after completing their required community service, are voicing their concerns regarding unfulfilled promises by the Department of Health. These medical professionals served their communities in the Eastern Cape during 2023 and 2024, but since mid-2023 have faced unemployment. They demand job reinstatements and immediate resourcing from the office of the Premier. The current situation has left them exasperated, prompting this week’s protests. Dr. P, a representative of the disgruntled cohort, explained simply: they are essential workers deserving of jobs, yet they remain invisible to the department that once supported them. Prompted by unsuccessful previous engagements with the Department of Health, the group is now demanding that the Premier actively source funding from other non-essential departments within the provincial government. The doctors contend that they are needed in healthcare; without them, patient care suffers. Their calls have been directed towards prioritizing funding in a manner that ensures healthcare delivery continues uninterrupted. The group has submitted a memorandum to the Premier’s Office, with a very clear demand: immediate answers regarding job placements. They are adamant that if they do not receive satisfactory responses, further action will be directed towards the national government. The stakes are high, and they believe the consequences of inaction will lead to dire outcomes for vulnerable populations reliant on healthcare services.Its a shame. Our president said the county is doing well on national TV. I rest my case
It’s so sad, remember was on call with her 2024 at MRH, we couldn’t even sip water entire night we were running like headless chickens… patients were many and very sick. Reality is our government officials don’t respect people of SA because if they are sick they go seek medical attention overseas
This happed to Social Workers too at some point…. The part where she says money must be taken from other departments. Other people that are working and would like to be employed in those departments are not important enough to be employed because they’re not doctors??
They were entering peoples homes without their consent in Khayelesha. Pure trespassing.
We have to question the education system we have, imagine spending more than half a million Rand and 6 years to end up begging for a job while we are importing from china and all over the world. It is sad that our people are dependent on Government like kids. Foreigners are making millions while we are begging and complaining
Haaaaiiiii Viva Philisiwe Ncaai, we are supporting you and if Philisiwe Ncaai comes to Johannesburg, Im going to say sawubona loooveeey!!!!!
You know how exciting it is to speak to a doctor who greets you in your language, allowing you to explain your issues without having to speak English. You walk in, and they say, Dumela abuti, Molo bhuti, or even Heita—you feel at home.
