Frere Hospital workers downed tools on Tuesday over a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). They also accused the hospital of hiding positive coronavirus cases to avoid causing panic.
The workers protested outside the hospital in Amalinda Main Road, East London.
One health employee, speaking anonymously said their lives were at risk.
A patient succumbed to the coronavirus at the hospital last month.
“We want to be screened and tested and be provided with protective gear to protect ourselves,” the employee told DispatchLIVE.
Provincial Denosa secretary Khaya Sodidi accused hospital management of mishandling Covid-19 cases.
Protesting staff at Frere Hospital in East London claim the hospital is hiding coronavirus cases to avoid panic and they are demanding proper protective gear.https://t.co/xLQ0Cg3P42 pic.twitter.com/OK6qWGX1ox
— Dispatch AFRICA (@africa_dispatch) May 5, 2020
“According to them, they don’t want to cause panic. They hide the positive cases. It’s not something which is uncommon, it’s all over the province. The institution is not ready to deal with this,” he said.
Health department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said management was meeting with the affected stakeholders to discuss the concerns that had been raised.
“The department will continue to monitor the situation,” Kupelo said.
By Ziyanda Zweni
They are complaining of no PPE but all seem to b1e wearing surgical or n95 masks.. which last time i checked are partnof PPE why are they wearing n95 masks to toy toy outside!
Who begins such actions why are they not brought to answer and charged with disruption of peace?
Can they ( the protestors or the instigators) provide evidence of hidden cases?