Chair, the UDM is deeply concerned about the manner in which government has handled the doctors' strike. The matter should have never gone to this extreme in the first place. But the failure to implement the promised occupation-specific dispensation for two whole years triggered this level of frustration among doctors. Once less disruptive forms of protests like lunchtime pickets had begun, government still had an opportunity then to avoid strike action. But it seems as if an attitude of callousness prevailed. After finally beginning the negotiation process, government continues to mismanage the situation. For instance, 220 doctors in KwaZulu-Natal have been dismissed. The MEC compounded this aggressive move by stating that he would simply find doctors from other countries. It is exactly this attitude of indifference that causes doctors to leave the public health sector, and even the country. This matter is far from being resolved. Government needs to speedily implement the agreed-upon dispensation and also initiate a new round of wage negotiations immediately.
These are difficult economic times, and it will require a pact between the state and its employees to protect jobs and ensure that wage demands can be met. Such a relationship can only be built on trust. Government's behaviour towards doctors could not have inspired other state employees and unions to view it as trustworthy. Thank you.