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20 October 2021
From the office of the National Chairperson | Dr Angelique Coetzee
Dear Colleagues
In his valedictory speech at the WMA’s annual General Assembly Dr. David Barbe declared: “There are many physicians around the world who do not feel appreciated or supported for the risks they have taken or the sacrifices they have made in caring for patients with COVID. Many are demoralized. Many feel their governments, and, in some cases, their hospitals have let them down. Some feel taken for granted or even taken advantage of.”
As the pandemic continues to plague the world, we know that many of our members are overwhelmed and dealing with anxiety, fear and even resilience fatigue. Please know that help is at hand. SAMA is collaborating with PPS and the Reality wellness group to offer telephonic support and counselling. Contact the reality Wellness Group on: 080 11 22 550 or eppenage@realitywellness.co.za (Please provide your SAMA member number) SAMA and PPS obtain and share no data with Reality Wellness. The only information shared is the number of people who use Reality Wellness’s services
We are all aware of the economic impact the country experienced during COVID, and of the personal finance blow many doctors faced or are facing. In a recently hosted webinar on earning during the pandemic, especially in the context of the National Credit Act, we had a presentation from Mr Howard Gabriels, the Credit Ombud. This event was recorded and is available on the following link: https://www.samedical.org/about-us/podcast
You will recall the Compensation Fund publishing controversial new regulations that would have undermined the Parliamentary process of the COID Amendment Bill that took place earlier this year. The consequences of this could have had catastrophic prejudicial consequences for medical service and vulnerable injured workers. The parliamentary process removed a section which would prohibit the medical industry working through third party administrators to receive payments due to them for claims submitted for medical care of workers injured on duty. Despite this removal, the Compensation Fund, on 10 September, published regulations which effectively enforced the prohibition.
Consequently, SAMA, IWAG, as well as the National Employers Association of South Africa (NEASA), called for the immediate withdrawal of the controversial new regulations. We have been informed that the Office of the State Attorney has sent a letter indicating that the regulations published on 10 September will be withdrawn and that the notice will be gazetted within 30 days. I am including the link to an interesting radio programme where this was discussed https://omny.fm/shows/safm-sunrise-1/mediated-conversation-unpacking-the-compensation-1
In my previous communication I announced the special helpline establishment to provide access and assistance to Palliative Care information and access. For anyone whom required assistance relating to quality of care, supportive care or home care, it will be available as from the 1st of November 2021 between 09:00 and 16:00 on Tel: 012 940-2966.
In conclusion, the FDA is planning to allow Americans to receive a different Covid-19 vaccine as a booster from the one they initially received. SAMA believes that healthcare workers who received the initial J&J vaccine as part of the Sissonke trail, should also be offered the choice to receive the Pfizer vaccine booster if they choose. I would value your thoughts in this regard.
Until next time, stay safe
Yours in solidarity
Dr. Angelique Coetzee
SAMA: Chairperson
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