As we bid farewell to 2021, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the challenges and triumphs that have crossed our path as an organisation.
The financial year 2020/21 has been the most challenging year that we as the healthcare sector have ever endured. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we as healthcare practitioners have been tested and thrown into uncharted territory as the virus mutates with each wave.
Currently, we are trying to navigate through the storm of the fourth wave and to also get a better understanding of the Omicron variant and how it reacts in the human body. While you, the healthcare practitioners try to find the cause of this virus that is constantly mutating with each wave, you are selflessly putting your own, and the lives of your families at risk and, as a result you are all vulnerable to being infected.
The healthcare sector has lost many healthcare practitioners due to COVID-19, as you are our frontline workers who go above and beyond the call of duty to save lives. On behalf of Council and all Professional Boards, I would like to sincerely thank you for the sterling job that you have done and continue to do. We are aware of the challenges that lie ahead for the upcoming year. Through a number of virtual stakeholder engagements held during the year, we have heard your concerns and suggestions loud and clear and we will endeavour by care and diligence to meet your needs and expectations in a concerted effort to ensure that we adhere to our commitment to provide better services.
Council and the Professional Boards would like to take this opportunity to send condolences to the family members of those healthcare practitioners whose lives have been lost to COVID-19. The deaths of these healthcare workers are a great loss to the profession and the country. One life lost, is one too many.
As you celebrate the festive season with your loved ones, be safe and protect yourself and your family members by getting vaccinated.
All the best until our next communication. We look forward to a better 2022!
Prof MS Nemutandani
HPCSA PRESIDENT
Last Updated on 15 December 2021 by HPCSA Corporate Affairs