SPOTLIGHT: Too scared to come to work, nurses say amid rising security concerns at Eastern Cape health facilities

SPOTLIGHT: Too scared to come to work, nurses say amid rising security concerns at Eastern Cape health facilities

There are serious concerns over the safety of health workers at public health facilities in the Eastern Cape, with some healthcare workers saying they are scared to go to work. Although the provincial health department says it shares this concern, it remains tight-lipped about its plans and the relevant security contracts. Luvuyo Mehlwana spoke to union representatives, healthcare workers and some security personnel about the situation.
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RIGHT OF REPLY: VACCINE MANUFACTURE: ‘Biovac did not comply’ – Health Department defends decision to award vaccine contract to manufacturer in India

RIGHT OF REPLY: VACCINE MANUFACTURE: ‘Biovac did not comply’ – Health Department defends decision to award vaccine contract to manufacturer in India

Healthcare is a basic human right. The constitutional mandate of the Department of Health is to provide healthcare services in response to the needs of the people of South Africa within available resources. Given the strain on currently available resources, the department has established an efficient and effective contracting mechanism for vaccines and medicines. Furthermore, the contracting mechanism is aligned with all National Treasury regulations and prescripts.
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