The Eastern Cape MEC for Health Ntandokazi Capa has recently announced R141 million to recruit more medical staff in hospitals across the province. The Eastern Cape regional and tertiary hospitals have received a cash injection to employ more health workers in a bid to strengthen clinical services. The prioritized positions include pharmacists, medical officers, nursing managers, and specialist doctors.
According to Health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo this move aimed at addressing gabs in nursing management in this hospital particularly Livingstone in Gqeberha, which is set to employ six nurse managers, pharmacists, and specialists. This recruitment programme follows a recent employment of 247 community service nurses and 55 medical officers who were allocated mainly in rural district hospitals in order to address shortages.
Kupelo said in this current financial year, a total of R2 billion has been budgeted to buy medicine for both clinics and hospitals. He said another R2 billion is being spent on hospital and clinic infrastructure improvements with some facilities being demolished and rebuilt.
