AN appeal for the formation of a task team to address ongoing grievances among Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) personnel has been made following protests outside Parliament last week.
Issues regarding Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) and overtime have been left unresolved after more than five years of discussion.
EMRS staff threatened to extend protest action across the province in the days ahead if their demands are not met.
The DA last week tabled a motion on these issues in the provincial legislature.
‘KZN Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo’s failure to address these issues has resulted in untold suffering and even possible death of patients and prolonged response times to emergencies,’ said DA KZN spokesperson on health, Dr Imran Keeka.
‘While protesters have every right to legally do so, they must remember they provide a critical service and that any action they take must never compromise a life.’
‘This must not be misconstrued as diminishing the importance of their needs.’
Dr Keeka stressed that those who are wanting to take part in protests should do so after the festive season.
EMRS staff was encouraged to work with any task team formed to bring this protracted matter to a close.
