As unemployed allied healthcare professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dieticians, audiologists, dental therapists, nutritionists, etc) we are ready and eager to serve our country. However, our commitment to the health of our nation is being restricted by the Ministry of Health, which is freezing new positions for allied professionals. This has not only hindered our career progression but significantly impeded the ability of many South Africans to receive crucial medical care.

Our hospitals, particularly in rural areas, are severely understaffed. Community service health professionals are left without necessary supervision due to a shortage of permanent employees. The need for allied care is ever-growing in communities across the country—however, due to limited resources in public hospitals, an increasing number of patients are unable to afford private healthcare.

One of the most significant impacts of this situation is the distressing fact that patients with disabilities are turned away from health facilities due to an acute shortage of allied healthcare professionals. This detrimental practice sets a catastrophic precedent for our healthcare system, as it betrays the most vulnerable members of our society.

According to The South African, there are approximately 45,000 registered allied healthcare professionals in South Africa. We need to allow these professionals the opportunity to fulfill their roles effectively.

It's time for the Ministry of Health to lift its restriction on new positions for unemployed allied healthcare professionals. Our ultimate objective is to improve and promote the health of every South African citizen. By signing this petition, you are advocating for our unemployed healthcare professionals and every individual who has been denied medical care due to these unforeseen limitations. Sign today to demand that the Ministry of Health unfreeze job positions, to let us serve our country and people who need us the most.