Pretoria – North West Premier Thandi Modise has expressed concern over reports that miners in the platinum belt, who are on chronic medication, are defaulting on their treatment.
According to reports, miners who are on chronic medication are defaulting on treatment due to acts of violence and intimidation that stop them from accessing health services at their workplaces.
Premier Modise appealed to workers on strike to be mindful that their colleagues on chronic medication for HIV/Aids, TB, hypertension and diabetes need to access wellness care facilities for their chronic medication.
“Preventing them from accessing health facilities at their workplaces is putting their health at great risk,” Premier Modise said.
She urged workers to visit their nearest public health facilities to access their chronic medication, family planning support, prenatal care, Free TB and HIV/Aids testing and counselling.
She reiterated that ending the strike, which has now entered into its 17th week, will be the first step to avert possible job losses and restoring peace and stability. She also added that the protracted strike by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has degenerated into a vicious cycle of violence that has resulted in the brutal killings of non-striking workers, and the destruction of private and public properties. – SAnews.gov.za
