Govt Fires 211 Striking Doctors

The government has fired 211 doctors after they were found guilty of abstention from duty without leave or reasonable cause.

This was revealed by Health Services Board (HSB) chairperson Dr Paulinus Sikhosana in a statement. Said Dr Sikhosana:

To date, 279 doctors have been served with charge letters, 213 hearings completed and 211 doctors found guilty of absenting themselves from duty without leave or reasonable cause for days ranging from five or more.

The 211 doctors found guilty have been discharged from the health service. Three (3) doctors appeared in person before the disciplinary tribunals and two (2) doctors had their determinations reserved pending verification of their cases.

Dr Sikhosana added that 516 out of 1,601 medical doctors employed in the public sector are expected to appear before the disciplinary tribunals.

Earlier this week, the government fired 77 doctors who had been on strike for over two months as they demanded better pay and improved working conditions.

More: Health Times