Denosa spokesperson Asanda Fongqo said many doctors were returning to work, making the department's issue of dismissal letters "unfortunate".

"We therefore appeal to the department to withdraw the dismissals thus giving the bargaining process a chance to bring the [Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD)] matter to its logical conclusion," said Fongqo.

"We further reiterate that those doctors that have not yet returned back to work should also heed the call and duly do so."

Striking doctors were issued with letters of dismissal after a court order last week declared their strike illegal. The doctors on strike were urging that the OSD be implemented after long delays.

The OSD is intended to adjust their salaries to compensate for the poor pay they receive, as well as their difficult working conditions.

Military health staffers were helping out at the George Mukhari and Jubilee hospitals, where the strike was being felt the most.

Health department spokesperson Fidel Hadebe said the department was aware of the shortage of doctors in the country and that this would be exacerbated by firing doctors for going on strike.

"... At the same time we can't allow a group of doctors to hold the country to ransom just because they are indispensable."

Sapa

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