South Africa’s Health Minister Joe Phaahla said the deaths of at least four patients could be “directly linked” to the national strike by health workers.
He has warned that the number could grow, as his team continues to evaluate clinical reports and visit affected health centers.
Strike action by the National Union of Health and Allied Workers (Nehawu) since last week has seen several hospitals closed, with workers barred from entry and patients in need of treatment turned away.
The army has now been deployed to the entry point of the main hospital to stop the intimidation of the workers and ensure the hospital remains operational.
Nehawu, however, refuted claims that the patient’s death could be blamed on the strike action.
The union’s general secretary, Zola Sephetha, told local TV station eNCA that the attack “never killed anyone, and the government is responsible for whatever happened in the hospital”.
Public service workers – including medical personnel – vowed to expand the strike as it entered its second week.
They rejected the government’s offer of a 4.7% wage increase, demanding 10%.
Source: BBC
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