NHI, austerity on unions list ahead of SONA

The NHI will provide free health services at private and public health facilities as part of the government's bid to provide more equitable access to healthcare.

All eyes are on Ramaphosa as he will give his last State of the Nation address before the elections in Cape Town on Thursday evening.

The union's spokesperson, Sobongiseni Delihlazo, says the president should also address the issue of employment of critical staff in the healthcare sector. 

"The NHI remains the only sustainable route towards achieving equal access to quality healthcare services for all South Africans regardless of their socio-economic standing, as medical aid membership is becoming unaffordable.

"Currently, the staff shortage in many facilities is leading to community frustration as patients must queue for long hours in clinics and hospitals while healthcare workers face heavy workloads and suffer burnout and depression as a result. 

"This will remain even in the NHI era if it is not dealt with now," added Delihlazo.

At the same time, the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) wants the president to address the government’s austerity measures.

SAFTU says austerity has led to the weakening of the public sector, including the healthcare system.

The federation's spokesperson, Trevor Shaku, said corruption and austerity are sabotaging the delivery of good services to South Africans.

"The second area where austerity has had a negative impact is in the public service, where the headcount has been reduced affecting the delivery of services.  The lack of infrastructure and infrastructure adds to this particular problem. 

"Some of the consequences of this lack of infrastructure have been witnessed with pregnant women sleeping on the floor in the corridors because there are no beds and wards in some hospitals.”

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