Warning to director general about young doctors

7 July 2021

Solidarity sent a warning to the Department of Health’s Director-General yesterday because some of its members are still not placed for their internships. These doctors should have started their internships on 1 July but are still not placed by the Department.

“The state is acting negligently by failing to meet its obligations towards these doctors. Its inability to place them along with their silence is absolutely unacceptable. In its letter to the Director-General Solidarity expressed its dissatisfaction and demanded that all doctors involved are placed no later than 16 July,” said Paul Maritz, Manager of Solidarity Youth.

According to the warning, Solidarity will continue with legal action should these candidates not be placed at internships by 16 July. He continues to say that the Department of Health is negligent regarding the careers of these doctors who are not placed for their internships yet.

“Many young, qualified doctors sit at home, waiting while the state is simply not communicating with them. These doctors are dependent on the state for their internships because the state is refusing to give private hospitals and medical institutions accreditation so that they may accommodate these graduate doctors. Now they are suffering under the incompetence of the state. They cannot use their skills to earn an income, nor can they hone their skills at the workplace. If the state does not listen to us, we will continue with legal action to hold the Department accountable,” concluded Maritz.

Statement issued by Paul Maritz, Manager: Solidarity Youth, 7 July 2021