The Gauteng Department of Health has initiated disciplinary proceedings against 21 emergency medical services (EMS) employees over alleged dereliction of duty after they reportedly failed to work their scheduled hours.
The department said, however, that EMS services across the province have continued without disruption and clarified that none of the affected officials have been suspended.
The action follows allegations that the employees did not comply with the terms of their employment contracts and approved duty rosters. Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said EMS is an essential service, making it necessary for employees to meet their contractual responsibilities and follow authorised shift schedules.
According to the department, contingency arrangements have been put in place to ensure emergency calls continue to receive attention. These include deploying assistance from nearby EMS stations depending on operational requirements and the number of outstanding calls.
The department also said overtime, working-hour averaging and compressed work schedules are administered in line with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
Other overtime arrangements are compensated through planned leave schedules, approved event submissions and late emergency calls dispatched by the Emergency Communication Centre.
Officials who fail to report for their scheduled shifts may be subject to the no-work-no-pay rule, in accordance with departmental policy.
No Threat of Dismissal
The department denied reports that the 21 EMS officials faced dismissal. However, the matter was referred to the HPCSA over concerns that their conduct may have breached professional and ethical standards.
Gauteng Health said it would not tolerate misconduct that could affect essential health services. It is also reviewing EMS working-hour policies to ensure they are clearly defined and properly managed.
The department stressed that EMS workers have an ethical duty to prioritise patients and communities while continuing to support staff and follow due process in misconduct cases.
21 Gauteng EMS Officials Face Disciplinary Action Over Alleged Misconduct
Written by
Korley Precious Naa Kordey
1 min read
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