Strikers remove workers - claim

Durban - Healthcare workers were forcibly removed from their work stations on Wednesday, allegedly by striking public servants, leaving scores of patients unattended, the health department claimed.

"The department calls on all health professionals to consider those sick and vulnerable as they engage in their strike action," said Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo.

He said some hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal reported that non-striking staff members had been forcibly removed from work.

In some cases, the protesters blockaded gates and prevented emergency, medical and rescue services from entering the health institutions.

Dhlomo was concerned over healthcare workers being prevented from entering hospitals.

"Even under apartheid, while we supported the struggle against the unjust system, some remained in service to ensure that people receive(d) healthcare that they needed," he said.

He said Addington Hospital's casualty department was deserted on Wednesday.

"The phone was ringing frantically. I picked up the phone and it was from a nurse in Ntuzuma clinic who told me that the clinic needed to transfer a 2-year-old who had been injured in a car accident," he said.

The Congress of SA Trade Unions and the Independent Labour Caucus (ILC) announced a nationwide strike on Tuesday after their members rejected the government's offer of a 7% salary increase and a R700 monthly housing allowance.

The unions want an 8.6% increase and R1 000 housing allowance.