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The Public Servants Association (PSA), representing more than 14 000 employees at the Gauteng Department of Health and a majority of employees at Ekurhuleni District Health Services, is concerned about the proposed removal of Ekurhuleni Health District Pharmacy from Bertha Gxowa Hospital in Germiston to Maintenance Hub in Springs.
 
The PSA previously raised issues regarding the health and safety of employees at the Maintenance Hub in Springs. In November 2023, the PSA requested consultation at a multilateral forum meeting, but the Department of Health mentioned that it was no longer going to move the District Pharmacy at Bertha Gxowa Hospital. The PSA was thus surprised that District Management decided to move the District Pharmacy in March 2024, without consultation at the district multilateral meeting. The PSA conducted a site visit, and was appalled that employees, including the Union’s members, have been subjected to occupation health and safety hazards. Employees are expected to execute their duties in a corrugated-metal shack. The PSA requested intervention by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL). The DEL visited the workplace in Springs and decided to immediately close the Ekurhuleni District Pharmacy in Springs on 31 May 2024.
 
The PSA is busy requesting intervention by the Provincial Management of the Department of Health to ensure the health and safety of employees at the workplace. The PSA is further busy seek intervention by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) to compel Ekurhuleni Health District Services to comply with SAPC regulations for operating a pharmacy.

Issued by Public Servants Association