Public-sector doctors are planning to lodge a formal objection to the Department of Health’s plan to scrap fixed overtime payments‚ which they say is being implemented while consultations are meant to be ongoing. The South African Medical Association (Sama) on Wednesday said it was concerned about the new overtime policy for public healthcare personnel signed and released by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi. The new policy is to be implemented by provincial health departments. "This development has caused a great deal of anxiety within the medical fraternity because it has overtaken the current consultative labour processes. At the time of the release of the final draft‚ the medical profession was awaiting further consultation for ratification of the proposed amendments. The minister appears to have overlooked this important step in the process‚" said Dr Mzukisi Grootboom‚ chairperson of Sama. Sama said the proposed unilateral changes to the overtime policy had serious implications ...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.