South African Health Minister Joe Phaahla has stated that at least four patients’ deaths can be “directly attributed” to a nationwide strike by health workers.
He has warned that this figure could rise as his team continues to review clinical reports and visit affected health facilities.
Last week’s strike by the National Education, Health, and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) resulted in the closure of some hospitals, with workers violently barred from entering and patients in need of care turned away.
The army has now been deployed to key hospital entrances to prevent worker intimidation and to ensure hospitals remain operational.
However, Nehawu has denied that their strike action is to blame for patient deaths.
The union’s general secretary, Zola Sephetha, told local TV station eNCA that the strike “has never killed anyone, and the government is accountable for whatever happens at the hospitals”.
Workers in the public sector, including medical personnel, have pledged to intensify their strike as it enters its second week.
They have rejected the government’s offer of a 4.7% wage increase, instead demanding a 10% increase.