Protesting doctors, KZN Health reach agreement
Unemployed doctors, who have been staging a sit-in at KwaZulu-Natal's Health offices in Pietermaritzburg since last week, have called off their protest.
It's after the group held lengthy discussions with management on Tuesday.
Head of Department Sandile Tshabalala says there has been an agreement to advertise some 120 doctors' posts on Wednesday.
"All the doctors will then be applying for those posts, and the processes will be followed accordingly. The recruitment process will be followed and wrapped up within 14 days in line with DPSA prescripts.
"Shortlisting and interviews will be conducted, and successful candidates will be given appointment letters to ensure that they start work at the beginning of May."
READ: Unemployed doctors vow to continue protest at KZN Health offices
KZN Health previously cited financial challenges as the reason why it could not fill vacant medical posts.
It has since reached out to the national department to make more resources available.
The group of about 60 doctors camped outside of the department's headquarters, vowing not to move until they received their appointment letters.
"At least today, we can sleep peacefully knowing that at least 120 doctors are going to be employed. We have made a submission with the department that efforts to secure funding should not cease," says Dr Thanduxolo Cele, who represents the group.
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