Forensic pathology services remain operational amid labour-related picketing.
Image: PEXELS
The National Department of Health has confirmed that it is addressing labour-related concerns following sporadic picketing by public forensic pathology staff in some provinces, while assuring the public that forensic pathology services remain fully operational.
Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said the issues raised by workers were being dealt with in collaboration with the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (NEHAWU), in line with resolutions of the Public Health and Social Development Sectoral Bargaining Council.
"Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) remain a critical pillar of the public health system, hence they are operating as an essential service," he said.
He added that both parties had agreed on measures to address challenges linked to the employment of forensic pathology officers, with implementation already underway.
The department also issued a warning against any unauthorised industrial action that could disrupt service delivery.
"Any form of protest action or downing tools that escalate into work stoppages is unprotected and will not be acceptable. Consequence management will be implemented accordingly."
Mohale said only lunch-time pickets would be permitted, provided they comply with legal requirements.
The department has urged members of the public to report any service delivery disruptions related to unprotected strike action to provincial health authorities for swift intervention, while reiterating that operations at forensic pathology centres are continuing as normal.
IOL News