South Africa’s two major hospitals were forced to operate with limited staff on Monday as health workers protested over a shortage of Covid-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
There was disruption at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and Charlotte Maxeke hospitals in Johannesburg when some workers marched demanding salary increases.
They said they were risking their lives under difficult conditions and with limited PPE.
A source from Chris Baragwanath hospital told Scrolla.Africa that Covid-19 frontline workers like nurses and doctors were promised some increase to their salaries.
“We are exposed to the virus and it seems management at the hospitals are not concerned about us even if we complain to them,” she said.
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital spokesperson Nkosiyethu Mazibuko confirmed the strike.
But he said the striking officials were not seasoned doctors and nurses at the hospitals.
He said those who were striking were members of the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), who have embarked on a nationwide strike.
