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The OHSC Board’s concerns about the ongoing labour unrest and disruptions of healthcare services across the country  

The Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) Board and management are deeply concerned about the impact of the ongoing labour unrests in several healthcare facilities in the country which are disrupting health services with reports of violence and intimidation to patients and healthcare workers. These acts of violence affect patient care, safety and destroy much needed infrastructure and equipment in healthcare facilities. In some instances, access to healthcare facilities has been restricted as a result of strike actions, affecting the work and safety of healthcare workers on duty and patient care and well-being.

The OHSC as the regulator of health services has a responsibility to protect and promote the health and safety of users of health services in the public and private health sectors. An integral part of improving quality and safety is consistent, sustained health services rendered across all healthcare facilities. The OHSC calls on all parties to cease and desist from all activities that compromise patient care and safety of patients and healthcare workers. Such disruptions pose a risk in the provision of quality health services and impede service delivery. 

The OHSC believes that health professionals have ethical standards to adhere to and a responsibility and obligation to serve diligently. The OHSC urges all sectors to honour the commitment to patient care irrespective of the challenges that might have been experienced.

Notwithstanding the labour unrest in progress, all public or private health establishments are required to adhere to policy priorities of providing safety, security as well as acceptable standards of care.

Even though it is a protected labour strike, and the right of healthcare workers to strike is respected, this right must not trample upon the rights of the users of healthcare services.  

Issued by the Office of Health Standards Compliance

For more information contact: Ricardo Mahlakanya: 066 473 8666, or rmahlakanya@ohsc.org.za