Free State - The Free State is considering a forensic probe into alleged abuse of privilege by state doctors doing private work, health MEC Benny Malakoane said on Tuesday.
“I urge those doctors who have been truant to show cause why I should or should not institute investigations against them by coming clean and confess their indiscretions,” he said.
Malakoane said the state wanted a full day's work, in accordance with contracts signed with doctors working in the public service.
He was talking to officials in the department during a report-back on unannounced visits to health facilities.
He said according to the Public Service Act permission had to be granted for outside work.
Malakoane said the intention of this privilege should not result in public health service delivery being compromised.
“This privilege was abused and continues to be abused by some doctors.”
Malakoane said doctors could file written submissions or requests for amnesty, containing full disclosures, to the department no later than May 27.
He asked senior officials within his department to file a report on a system for monitoring remunerative work outside the public service for consideration by the end of the week. - Sapa