The Eastern Cape health department has been granted an interdict forcing striking doctors to return to work, or face disciplinary action, it said on Wednesday.

Spokesman Sizwe Kupelo said the interdict was granted by the Port Elizabeth Labour Court and compels doctors who embarked on a "wildcat strike" to return to work immediately.

"We expect doctors to return to work immediately or face disciplinary action which could lead to them being dismissed," he said.

The no work no pay principle has already come into play, since the strike started last week.

Kupelo commended doctors in East London and in many rural areas for not participating in the illegal industrial action, adding that those who remained on strike were mainly junior doctors from Port Elizabeth and Mthatha.

"... we commend them for that... despite the difficulties they face they did not join their colleagues and did not compromise the health of our people," he said.

On Tuesday, provincial health MEC Phumulo Masualle met striking doctors in Port Elizabeth, where he promised to address their grievances over working conditions.

However, he added they should return to work pending the outcome of pay talks in Pretoria. Later on Tuesday, government presented a revised pay offer to health workers which was being presented to union membership for their approval.