SA Medical Association say increased alcohol consumption putting strain on hospitals

The South African Medical Association said that the increased festive-season alcohol consumption is putting a strain on hospitals.

The organisation said that it leads to a surge in admissions at emergency units, causing additional strain on healthcare workers.

The association's chairperson Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa said, "The high number of alcohol related admissions places severe strain on our hospital resources, including emergency beds, staff, critical care services. It delays care for patients with medical emergencies."

Mzukwa said that healthcare workers are also affected.

"It contributes to burnout among healthcare workers because you can imagine the load that comes just on new year's eve. The pressure that is on the sysytem and we already have a severe shortage of healthcare workers and resources in the country."