DA Slams Nehawu for disruptive protests in Gauteng public hospitals

The Democratic Alliance (DA) slammed the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) for the disruptive demonstrations taking place at public hospitals and clinics throughout the province.
A shadow MEC for health in Gauteng, Jack Bloom, said the protests have caused surgeries and appointments to be canceled, leaving many patients without access to health care as a result.
Even worse, he said some emergency services had been disrupted.
Among affected health facilities are Helen Joseph Hospital, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Thelle Mogoerane Hospital, Tembisa Hospital, Bheki Mlangeni Hospital, Kopanong Hospital Sebokeng hospital Heidelberg hospital Leratong hospital and Carletonville hospital.
“These actions will cause significant harm to those affected – something that should never be accepted in our society.”
Bloom expressed his dismay at the unacceptable behaviour at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital in Soweto.
Staff are being intimidated and, in some cases, forced to sleep overnight at the hospital and protesters have placed burning tires at all of its entrances.
Bloom further noted that many patients lack access to transportation for medical care and have been turned away as a result of this ongoing strike.
He harshly criticized Nehawu for ignoring court orders against the strike and urged police officials to uphold laws regarding healthcare facilities.
Bloom said that hospitals are already operating beyond capacity and should not have to deal with additional conflicts due to wage disputes.