Public health sector hit by lab strike
The National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) management is warning that a strike by its workers could lead to delays for those waiting for test results.
The NHLS says even though contingency plans are in place, it will not be able to offer all services from this morning.
"The public that are dependent on the public health service will not have available to them the type of laboratory service which the NHLS usually provides," NHLS Director, Professor Shabir Madhi says.
The NHLS is the only service provider of laboratory services at public hospitals and clinics.
"What this means is that not all the type of tests which we would usually be able to offer will be available. The NHLS will still strive to provide at least the minimum basket of tests and especially tests we consider to be urgent which would have an immediate impact on patient management," Madhi says.
Madhi says they have been in negotiations with unions for the past two weeks over salaries.
"Unfortunately, the offer that we have made to the unions is the best offer we can provide under the current circumstances," Madhi says.