The Commission, and indeed the general public, have noted with concern that protest-related action is increasingly having a negative impact on the right to access healthcare services.  Consequently and in line with its constitutional mandate, the Commission seeks to convene a national dialogue to facilitate the exploration of ways to ensure the continued right of the public to have access to healthcare services even during protest action, whilst also giving effect to and promoting the rights of healthcare workers.

Through this dialogue, the Commission seeks, therefore, to encourage a consensus around an uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services during protest action.

The national dialogue will involve a wide range of identified stakeholders in order to secure diverse experiences and perspectives impacting on the right to strike and the right to access healthcare. On that basis, the Commission has invited stakeholders at national and local level, who work in the healthcare sector. Stakeholders that are expected to participate include National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (NEHAWU) and its affiliates, National Department of Health, Provincial Health MECs, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, civil society organisations and communities.

Click here for the agenda.

Ends

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Gail Smith – Spokesperson Tel: 060 988 3792 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.