Doctors are stuck at home while there is a massive need in the system - SAMA

Thabo Shole-Mashao (in for Clement Manyathela in 702) speaks with Dr Mzulungile Nodikida, CEO of the South Africa Medical Association.

Listen below:

South Africa’s healthcare system is under immense pressure, affecting both patients and doctors.

Thousands of people are queuing daily outside overcrowded hospitals and clinics while qualified doctors are stuck unemployed at home waiting for government posts that never materialise.

This has contributed to the ‘brain drain’ with several talented medical personnel travelling abroad for better career opportunities and working conditions.

Nodikida says the situation has now reached crisis levels.

“We never thought we would get to a point where doctors would be sitting at home when there is a massive need within the system.”

- Dr Mzulungile Nodikida, CEO of the South Africa Medical Association

South Africa currently has one doctor per 3,100 people compared to the global recommendation of 2.3 per 1,000 people.

“South Africa is sitting at less than half a doctor per thousand people.”

- Dr Mzulungile Nodikida, CEO of the South Africa Medical Association 

He says the situation is so severe that most maternal deaths are happening in community health centres and district hospitals where there are not enough doctors.

“These are real lives that are being lost on the ground.”

- Dr Mzulungile Nodikida, CEO of the South Africa Medical Association 

Nodikida has personal experiences of working at a hospital in his hometown where he had to operate on a patient with just a single nurse to assist him.

If there was a problem with the patient, he would have to phone a specialist to guide him through the procedure remotely.

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He argues that the country urgently needs good leadership and proper planning to support the healthcare sector.

“If you've got people who don't understand how the system works, or how the service is delivered, then you have a fundamental problem.”

- Dr Mzulungile Nodikida, CEO of the South Africa Medical Association 

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