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The Democratic Alliance condemns NEHAWU’s disruptive actions at more than ten Gauteng public hospitals as well as many clinics.

Patients are suffering as they cannot get access to hospitals where surgery and appointments are cancelled due to the shortage of staff.

It is particularly despicable that some emergency services have been blocked as well.

Health facilities that are badly affected include the Helen Joseph, Chris Hani Baragwanath, Thelle Mogoerane, Tembisa, Bheki Mlangeni, Kopanong, Sebokeng, Heidelberg, Leratong and Carletonville hospitals.

At the Bheki Mlangeni Hospital in Soweto some staff have slept there overnight because of the intimidation. Fires are burning at all the entrances - see photos here and here.

It is unacceptable to burn tyres and intimidate staff who are needed to save people’s lives.

Many patients can barely afford transport money to hospitals where they have now been turned away.

NEHAWU has embarked on this action in support of their wage demands despite a court interdict to stop the strike.

Our hospitals are already overburdened with large backlogs - this is the last thing they need.

Police need to maintain law and order at our health facilities, including arrests and removal of lawless troublemakers.

Issued by Jack Bloom MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health