Johannesburg - The ongoing strike by public servants is placing the lives of premature babies born at Gauteng hospitals in danger, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane said on Tuesday.
Addressing the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Mokonyane revealed that 53 babies had been left unattended at various hospitals when nursing staff were forced to leave their posts
Some of the babies were "literally locked" in the wards with no one bothering to make alternative arrangements for their care, she said. Fortunately soldiers, who have since stepped in to assist in the worst-affected hospitals, were able to take care of some of the babies.
Mokonyane said while government respected the rights of workers to strike, the constitutional right of babies to live also needed to be respected. "As a responsible and caring government we had to take appropriate steps to ensure continued operations in the hospitals and other service points."
She said hospitals and clinics were now faced with the challenge of inadequate laundry services. "We know the problem may lead to infections which could have devastating effects for our health care," she added.
As the public servants strike entered its 6th day on Tuesday, services have been brought to a complete halt at several state hospitals prompting calls for volunteers to assist in critical situations. Members of the public have also been urged to help cleaning and the laundry facilities at the affected hospitals.
"We will continue to do everything within our powers to ensure that our schools and hospitals continue to function," Mokonyane said.
It was unfortunate that some of the striking workers have intimidated and harassed their non-striking colleagues including those involved in essential services.
Yesterday, government condemned the violence and intimidation that has characterised the strike, calling it abnormal, unacceptable and deplorable.
