Sama: Medical aid won’t guarantee you space in hospital
The South African Medical Association (Sama) has raised the alarm over what it believes to be the dire state of Gauteng’s health facilities.
The province is battling the coronavirus pandemic, with the outbreak expected to reach its peak in July.
Gauteng is soon set to take over from the Western Cape as the country’s Covid-19 epicentre.
Sama chairperson Angelique Coetzee says the picture in the province is bleak.
“We are going towards the eye of the storm. I think in Gauteng we will reach it by the end of July, maybe the beginning of August and that’s in line with the predictions made before.
“This virus is moving far ahead in front of us.”
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Coetzee adds that one of the biggest problems facing the province is the dwindling workforce at health facilities.
“We still haven’t prepared enough because of the type of virus we are having.
“Already in hospitals like Tembisa and Charlotte Maxeke are showing patients away. Some of the private hospitals in Joburg also not taking new patients on because they are running at capacity.
“We are now struggling to get spaces for really sick people, regardless of whether or not you are on medical aid.”
The association warns that members of the public who insist on defying lockdown regulations will only add to the burden.
Coetzee has urged its members to raise the alarm around any possible cracks in the system.
“Please tell us, you will not be named. Let us just fix the problem.”