Minister Joe Phaahla inspects hospitals as Nehawu strikers are interdicted from obstructing services

The Gauteng department of health said it was left with no choice but to seek relief from the courts given “the dire impact of the strike in various facilities where the lives of both patients and staff was under threat”.

Some hospitals experienced total shutdown, the department said.

At the Kopanong, Sebokeng, Thelle Mogoerane and Bheki Mlangeni facilities, patients were left unattended as striking workers went into wards ordering staff out.

Gauteng emergency medical services personnel were threatened from responding to calls and denied access in or out of facilities.

Charlotte Maxeke and Chris Hani Baragwanath hospitals were also negatively impacted, said the department.

The interim interdict is applicable with immediate effect and prevents striking workers from doing anything which directly or indirectly obstructs or impedes access to and from health facilities across Gauteng and damaging departmental property.

Protesters are prohibited from barricading entrances or buildings, molesting, assaulting, threatening or intimidating staff, patients, contractors, visitors or officials of GDoH.

The department said police have been ordered to take all steps necessary to give effect to the interim interdict including the removal and expulsion of any person obstructing the rendering of services from its properties and premises.

National health department spokesperson Foster Mohale said Phaahla on Wednesday received briefings on the extent of disruptions on the provision of essential health services.

“The minister will use this opportunity [site visits] to announce various measures taken by the national department to support the hard-hit districts and health facilities by the strike and also interact with healthcare workers and the patients.”

TimesLIVE

Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.