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District surgeons in the North West have been served with letters informing them that their contracts will be terminated. This decision is consistent with the statement made by the MEC for Health, Dr Molefi Sefularo, in his previous Budget Speech (April 2000).

Dr Sefularo has in the past made the following observations about district surgeons: "...many district surgeons have not returned our gesture of reconciliation and co-operation. We continue to see separate consulting rooms for blacks and white ... many district surgeons still reject the values of our new society. They are using every ounce of their energy to undermine all efforts at reconciliation and the transformation of the services. Our patience has been stretched to the limit."

The decision to terminate their contracts was implemented after a very long process of consultation and discussions with affected employees and their representatives (South African Medical Association). Those that wished to remain were given the option of doing so on different terms, terms that define them as a secondary level of care for indigent people and part of the public service. Amongst other things, they will be expected to work fixed hours, provide services at public facilities like clinics, community health centres and hospitals. The contracts will be renewable upon satisfactory performance.

A separate group of doctors led by regional specialists have been appointed to look after our medico-legal and forensic services. This, we believe, will improve our health services; improve our human rights record and our services to the courts in cases of criminal offences like rape, drunken driving and violent crimes.

The department wishes to stress that full-time medical officers have been trained to perform forensic medical services as part of their normal duties. Currently, there are thirty-two full-time officers trained to perform these services in the North West.

We note with regret that some district surgeons have already started a misinformation and vilification campaign in which they seek to give the public the impression that they are indispensable and that the department's decision is irresponsible. Some district surgeons' resistance to the contract termination is understandable. It is normal that those who benefited from a system that was open to abuse would prefer to see it continuing forever. It may be argued that what we are seeing now is an expression of self-interest masquerading as concern for the plight of the poor.

The department believes that this move will not, in any way, adversely affect health service delivery. Instead, it will result in accessible medico-legal services; better and improved forensic services under the supervision of appointed regional specialists in each region. Consultations with the SAPS have been going on to ensure smooth transition.

Where districts feel the need to retain some district surgeons on a session basis, such request will be considered by the MEC.

For further information: Cornelius Monama on 082 578 4063

Issued by: Office of the MEC for Health, North West, 11 June 2001