S.African medics threaten court action as staff shortages hit COVID response

Anees Kara, a paramedic and project manager, treats a patient during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak as the country faces tougher lockdown restrictions, at the MASA (Muslim Association of South Africa) Medpark in Johannesburg, South Africa, July 1, 2021. REUTERS/ Sumaya Hisham

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -The South African Medical Association threatened on Thursday to take the government to court because scores of new junior doctors cannot find placements despite staff shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SAMA said it was "scandalous" that, during a third wave of infections, 228 medical interns who graduated in March and April were waiting for the government to place them at public hospitals to complete their training.