Increasing resignations in KZN healthcare sector concerning: CANSA
The Cancer Association of South Africa says with 80% of cancer patients in KwaZulu-Natal dependent on the public healthcare system, the high number of resignations by oncologists is concerning.
The association and various other healthcare unions have highlighted what they say is a crisis in the province's public healthcare space - following the latest resignation this week.
The Association's Lorraine Govender says patients that rely on public sector health care will be directly affected.
"If there is a delay, it will affect the quality of care and treatment options. 80% of our patients depend on public sector treatment. So, if there's a lack of oncologists this means life-saving treatment will be threatened," she says.
KZN Health MEC Sbongiseni Dhlomo has assured cancer patients will receive the treatment they need.
"We do have equipment to use if patients were to come to our facilities. It's a short to medium-term plan. We need to devise a long-term plan," he says.