The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) has reiterated the call for more resources and protective equipment to be sent to public hospitals and clinics.
Denosa has urged the government to particularly provide resources to the rural areas to assist health practitioners who may come into direct contact with patients infected with the coronavirus.
The number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in South Africa with 1353 infections confirmed and five deaths.
Denosa President Simon Hlungwani says there is a shortage of test kits available at hospitals and clinics.
Hlungwani says, “In most clinics and rural hospitals there isn’t adequate protective clothing and in this regard, we have said to our members that if there are no PPEs, you should not risk your life because it is equal to committing suicide…”
“If you get infected you are going to infect your fellow colleagues, family and anyone you are in contact with. We are also aware that there is a shortage of testing mechanisms or test kits in rural areas, the testing is only done in the big hospitals and not in the small hospitals,” added Hlungwani.
