SAMA welcomes lockdown measures, concerned over healthworkers

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has reacted to President Cyril Ramphosa’s decision to revert the country back to Level 3 of the lockdown, welcoming the move for the most part.

Ramaphosa announced last night that the country would be spending the new year under stringent lockdown conditions, due to the second wave of COVID-19 infections and South Africa having recently surpassed a million cases.

“We are broadly happy with these measures. One of our concerns is the impact of COVID-19 and the new variant 501.V2 on hospitals and hospital workers. We are grateful that the president acknowledged in his address the courage of these workers on the frontline, and the enormous sacrifices they make every day. But, in addition to extending curfews and limiting numbers at gatherings, the professional needs of these workers must be addressed, and addressed urgently,” said the association’s chairperson Dr Angelique Coetzee.

SA in lockdown: Govt must ensure PPE, other resources for healthcare workers

SAMA said the measures will provide much-needed relief to overworked and over-stretched healthcare workers and facilities. It said however that the lockdown restrictions must go hand in hand with increased delivery of personal protective equipment to hospitals, as well as the immediate filling of all vacant medical posts in public hospitals.

Ramaphosa announced a total ban on alcohol, which he said was necessary and would take the pressure off the already strained public health system.

“There is no decision which will satisfy everyone, and we are sure the president consulted widely before making this call. Now that it’s been made, the government has a responsibility to ensure hospitals are well-stocked with PPE and other essential equipment and medication, and that doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers are assisted with more personnel, especially in those areas where deficiencies in these areas are known,”

SAMA Chairperson Dr Angelique Coetzee

The association has noted the country’s efforts to secure a COVID-19 vaccine. The country has already forked out R327 million towards the World Health Organisation’s COVAX facility and the president did say South Africa would be one of the first to receive the ground-breaking treatment.

“There is a lot of detail still to be clarified around the regulations, the publication of which we await with keen anticipation. As we’ve noted here, these regulations must be enforced, and there must be clear focus on providing healthcare workers across the country with the necessary tools to perform their jobs,” Coetzee added.