Volunteers help at S.African state hospitals as nationwide strike hits government services
By APFriday, August 20, 2010
Amid SAfrican strike, volunteers help at hospitals
JOHANNESBURG — Ordinary South Africans are at public hospitals, cleaning wards and helping nurses dispense medicine, and army medics are treating patients as a strike, now in its third day, impacts public hospitals, schools and other government facilities across South Africa.
Johannesburg police sprayed water cannons at protesters who had started a fire at a side entrance of one hospital, the South African Press Association reported.
Army doctors and nurses also have been sent to state hospitals, and private hospitals are taking some of the sickest patients.
Unions are demanding 8.6 percent wage increases and a 1,000 rand ($137) housing allowance. The government is offering 7 percent plus 700 rand ($96) for housing, and has given the unions 21 days to accept the deal.
