Sama calls for protection of doctors amid riots, looting
The South African Medical Association (Sama) has called on the police and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to protect doctors in the volatile areas of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
The medical association says it is fearing for the lives of doctors amid the ongoing looting and violence.
"The violent nature of the protests, with attacks on among others delivery trucks and other essential service personnel, has raised critical concerns about the safety of healthcare workers as they travel and from hospitals to perform their duties,” says Sama CEO Dr Angelique Coetzee.
Coetzee also urged the Department of Health to prioritise the airlifting of patients to avoid attacks on doctors.
"Contingency plans for the airlifting and inter-facility transportation of patients must also be addressed to overcome the closure of roads as a result of the protests.
"Sama has appealed to any of its members to contact it if they are in any situation in which they feel unsafe."
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