Image Source: Quicknews
Local – The Department of Health has announced plans to recruit 200 additional nurses in the coming months as part of its phased implementation of the Human Resources for Health Strategy 2030. The move aims to reduce staffing shortages, lighten workloads, and ultimately improve the quality of patient care across the public healthcare system.
“Sufficient numbers of well-skilled, enabled and supported health workforce are central to the achievement of an affordable, accessible and quality health care system for all as envisaged in the NHI Act,” the department stated.
This announcement coincides with South Africa’s annual commemoration of International Nurses Day, observed on 12 May. This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies,” highlights the critical link between a well-supported nursing workforce and stronger healthcare systems and economies.
In a statement marking the occasion, the department noted the importance of nurses within society, describing them as “the backbone of any healthcare system, serving as the main point of contact for patients and an important link between patients and the care they need.”
“They also play a critical role in counselling and educating patients and their families about their health conditions, available treatment plans, and self-care strategies.”
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Nurses Abused While on Duty
Despite their vital role, many nurses continue to face unsafe working conditions and alarming levels of verbal and physical abuse while on duty. These threats not only endanger the wellbeing of healthcare workers but also compromise the quality of care patients receive in already strained facilities.
“The country has, in recent months and years, experienced disgraceful incidents of heinous acts which involved robbery and sexual assault against nurses, mainly in the primary health facilities,” the department noted.
As such the department has called for stronger collaboration with law enforcement, communities, and civil society to address these challenges and ensure safer workplaces.
“It is for this reason that the department appeals to all stakeholders in society to join hands… to make health facilities safer places for nurses to carry out their duties… without fear of becoming victims of crime.”
Moreover, South Africa will also participate in the global launch of the State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report, hosted by the World Health Organisation and the International Council of Nurses, focusing on employment, training, leadership, and service delivery.
