The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has urged the government to do more to protect healthcare workers, particularly doctors, or else it will intervene.
Doctors’ safety and security have been a source of concern for Sama, both in private practice and in public organizations.
This follows the assassination of Dr. George Koboka.
Last month, Koboka, a lawyer in Diepkloof, Soweto, was assassinated by four gunmen who broke into his office and began fire.
Three suspects in Koboka’s murder have been apprehended, according to the police (Saps).
According to Sama, there are far too many violent instances involving healthcare staff, particularly doctors.
“An example is the recent shooting of Dr. George Koboka in his Soweto surgery. Unfortunately, there are plenty such examples that I can bring up to back up this claim. In light of these instances, Sama believes the government should do more to protect doctors, who are “basically soft targets for criminals.”
Medical workers, according to Sama, are essential members of the communities they serve, and their safety must be ensured and protected.
“Throughout April, Sama will be promoting doctor safety and the need for communities to assist us in defending these professionals on a variety of venues. We will make the public aware of the impact that poor safety has on doctors, not just in their local communities but also in the profession, through these initiatives.”
“We must keep in mind that the government is compelling us to protect ourselves, and we must take seriously our responsibilities to our own and our patients’ safety,” Sama added.
“Imagine a world without a doctor and a community without someone to care for them,” Sama said, adding that it believes not enough is being done to protect doctors, particularly at public institutions.
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