The IFP has made calls on the Department of Health to compensate doctors better to encourage them to stay in rural areas where they are needed most.
IFP Spokesperson on Health, Mrs Hilda Msweli (MP) stated that, “The shortage of doctors in Ceza and Nkonjeni Hospitals in Northern KwaZulu Natal shows the need for government to step up efforts to address the shortage of doctors in rural areas. General Practitioners must be compensated well enough for them to not only be able to work in rural areas, but also to limit the number of doctors who leave to become specialists.”
Addressing this rural scarcity of doctors is fundamental to the success of efforts to achieve universal health care in South Africa.
“Every year we train a large number of doctors, but most leave either for the private sector or work in other countries because of the frustrations they have with the working conditions” said Msweli.
The IFP also calls for the establishment of new medical schools closer to rural areas, where students at these schools will practice in their local areas after graduation, instead of migrating to the cities. The department must embark on a drive to encourage graduates to go to rural areas, while providing them with the necessary support, both financially and with adequate equipment and medication.
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