By Kaya 959 News
Nursing union DENOSA is calling on the government to address the ongoing disruption of South Africa’s healthcare system due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It says at the core of the disruption to healthcare services is the under-utilization of nursing skills.
DENOSA says government needs to put a clear strategy in place to address the gradual disruption that COVID-19 is causing.
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Disruptions in critical services
A Survey Report released by the International Council of Nurses on Wednesday shows that specialised nurses are not being represented at the highest decision-making structures.
South Africa was one of the 105 countries surveyed.
The report states that just under 40% of the countries surveyed have their Chief Nursing Officers sitting at the highest decision-making intervention structures.
Furthermore, 28% reported the non-existence of Chief Nursing Officers in their countries.
Speaking at an event in Pretoria to mark International Nurses Day, DENOSA President Simon Hlungwani, says nurses need to be represented.
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WhatsApp Audio 2021-05-12 at 12.13.07 DENOSA president
The report also found that COVID-19 has led to disruptions in critical areas such as:
– About 70% reduction in community routine vaccination;
– 69% reduction in Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) service.
– 61% reduction in treatment for mental health disorders;
– 55% reduction in cancer diagnosis and treatment;
– 46% reduction in malaria diagnosis and treatment;
– 42% reduction in TB detection and treatment; and
– 28 million routine surgeries cancelled.
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Ticking time-bomb
DENOSA says the reduction in critical services can be attributed “largely to reprioritization and redeployment of healthcare workers from these service areas to fighting COVID-19”.
The union says SA is sitting on a ticking time-bomb.
“DENOSA is concerned that South Africa’s picture is no different to the findings of the ICN Report, and that the country is sitting on a ticking time-bomb as the effects of these reductions will further compound and worsen to a point where healthcare services won’t be able to respond adequately.
“This will have negative impact on the economy since both economy and health are interlinked.”
