Pathology strike over low wage hikes would seriously harm sick patients
The DA says a strike by National Health Laboratory Service workers will be devastating as the lab is responsible for about 80% of SA’s pathology diagnostics
The DA has called on Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to urgently intervene in what it says is a "looming national pathology strike". DA health spokesperson Patricia Kopane said in a statement on Tuesday that the pending strike followed an admission by the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) that it would not be able to meet the 7.3% salary increase demanded by pathology professionals and their trade unions. The NHLS was only able to offer 3%. "It is crucial that arrangements are made with private laboratories in advance, as a strike at the NHLS will be devastating for patients in need of urgent tests for HIV/AIDS, malaria, cancer and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis," Kopane said. She added that the strike could have "devastating consequences", as the NHLS was responsible for more than 80% of the country’s pathology diagnostic services. Kopane said Motsoaledi should provide a detailed plan of action to deal with the consequences of the strike. A strike by about 180 forensic ...
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