FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The ANC in the Eastern Cape welcomes and announces the integration of a significant cohort of new health professionals into the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDOH) system, marking a key milestone in our quest to fortify the province’s healthcare delivery. This intake comprises 363 doctors, 111 pharmacists, 16 dentists, and 255 rehabilitation staff, bringing the total number of new health professionals to 869, including medical interns, community service doctors, and allied health professionals.
This strategic recruitment drive is a deliberate step towards actualising the ANC’s 55th National Conference resolutions to accelerate the implementation of progressive health policies, thereby ensuring universal access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for all citizens. Furthermore, it underscores our commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes and guaranteeing that every citizen has access to top-notch medical care.
The ANC-led government has successfully stabilised the ECDOH and is now spearheading a comprehensive overhaul of the health system for greater impact. This recruitment drive forms the bedrock of our renewal agenda, bolstered by a substantial R314 million ministerial intervention in clinical appointments, encompassing 122 medical officers, 248 emergency care specialists, 26 professional nurses, 9 physiotherapists, 8 occupational therapists, and 5 speech therapists.
The ANC extends sincere appreciation to our hardworking deployees in government, led by Premier Mabuyane and championed by MEC Capa, who have worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone. Your dedication and commitment to our healthcare system have not gone unnoticed by the party.
This development has a dual impact: firstly it addresses the pressing issue of unemployment among healthcare professionals and secondly it significantly enhances healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Creating opportunities for young healthcare professionals, will enable our government to not only alleviate unemployment but also inject fresh energy and skills into our health system.
The ripple effects of this recruitment drive will be profoundly felt across the Eastern Cape, yielding a healthier workforce, heightened productivity, and an elevated quality of life for our citizens. Matching our government investments in life-saving infrastructure, machinery, and equipment with the most indispensable resource of all – dedicated healthcare professionals, the ANC-led government is bridging the gap in healthcare accessibility and taking a giant stride towards achieving health equity.
This development is a testament to the ANC-led government’s unwavering commitment to people-centered development and our relentless pursuit of a better life for all. As we embark on this new chapter, we are optimistic that this milestone will catalyse a renewed sense of purpose and energy across our health sector, inspiring confidence in our ability to deliver quality healthcare services to our people.
The new health professionals will be strategically deployed to facilities across the Eastern Cape, where they will play a crucial role in reinforcing frontline services, alleviating service pressures, enhancing patient care, and contributing to the long-term fortification of the provincial public health system.
Additionally, the ANC Eastern Cape applauds the emergency HAST programme intervention, which will support 577 critical positions, including 148 professional general nurses, 239 data capturers, 72 lay counsellors, 38 staff nurses, 53 IT technicians, and 27 clinical programme coordinators.
As we transitioned into the new year, this development marks a promising start, filling our people with optimism and renewed hope for a healthier and more prosperous Eastern Cape. We remain committed to working tirelessly to ensure that our health system is responsive to the needs of our people, leaving no one behind.
Issued by the African National Congress in the Eastern Cape
Provincial Spokesperson:
Comrade Yanga Clarity Zicina
Cell: +27 78 640 2752
Media Media Enquiries:
Mr Gift Nqondi, Head of Communications
Cell: +27 84 843 9706
