Give health workers a tax break, asks Hospersa
Updated | By Sibahle Motha
The Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa) has called on government to give health workers a tax break as they battle the coronavirus pandemic.
The union, which represents 60 000 members in the public and private sector, believes there is a need to provide more protection and incentives to health workers.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced on Tuesday that approximately 135 health workers have tested positive for Covid-19 since thevirus landed on local shores.
Hospersa spokesperson Kevin Halama says the number of health workers contracting the deadly virus is a concern.
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This, he believes, is proof of the need for government to provide sufficient personal protective equipment.
“We have spent the first part of the lockdown battling with the government and private health sector organisations like Netcare to tighten protective measures for health workers.”
The union also wants all health workers above the age of 60, as well as those with underlying conditions, to be exempt from treatingCovid-19 patients.
“Instead, such health workers should be placed in wards with less risk and still be provided with the necessary PPE,” he says.
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