ourhealth: counsellors demoralised by working conditions

Health-E OurHealth: Counsellors demoralised by working conditions Mishack Mahlangu Health-e News
October 15, 2012

Story by Mishack Mahlangu, the OurHealth Citizen Journalist reporting from the Tshwane district in Gauteng. TSHWANE. - HIV counsellors working in the districts of Mabopane, Soshanguve, Winterveldt and Garankuwa are complaining that their grievances with the Gauteng Department of Health are not being addressed. The counsellors, who work in HIV counselling and testing (HCT), prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) and anti-retroviral treatment (ART) say they are demoralised by the working conditions in their clinics. The counsellor from Mabopane complained of the heavy workload she faces at the clinic. “After seeing around 25 patients per day, I still have to go home and take care of home chores,” she said. She is also concerned by the R1500 stipend she receives monthly which is very little compared to the responsibilities. Another counsellor complained that they have not received their stipend for the past three months, and this includes money for transport which they use to travel to and from patients. Resulting in many patients not being visited. One patient at Soshanguve Clinic who regularly comes for HCT said that he noticed a decline in the engagement between counsellors and patients, which to him is an indication of the pressure counsellors are under. A nurse in the clinic who sympathises with the counsellors explained that although they are doing their best, the lack of support and guidance they receive from the Gauteng Department of Health is worrying.

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Health-e is a news agency that produces news and in-depth analysis for the print and electronic media. Their particular focus is HIV/AIDS, public health and issues regarding health policy and practice in South Africa. They provide print features for newspapers and magazines and well as broadcast packages for national and community radio stations. They also accept commissions. Information in this article was accurate in October 15, 2012. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.