S. African army health personnel deployed to public hospitals amid strike

JOHANNESBURG, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on Saturday said they have deployed their health personnel on the North West province where there is industrial action by the staff.

The health workers in the province have been on strike for the past two months paralyzing the health care delivery.

There are media reports that the industrial action have resulted in two deaths at the Montshioa clinic in North West province. The Director of Defence Corporate Communication, Brigadier General Mafi Mgobozi said they will deploy the military health personnel by Saturday.

"The health care practitioners from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be moving into the province to ensure that affected citizens at the Provincial Hospital are provided with the critical health care service they need. This is done with the understanding that lives need to be preserved at all costs," said Mgobozi.

The two months strike by National Health Education and Allied Workers Union has resulted in the closure of some health centers in North West province. Enditem