According to Dr Simon Strachan, CEO of SA Private Practice Forum (SAPPF), doctors feel “frustrated and desperate” because their practical input has been sidelined, despite being central to any workable reform.
“Doctors’ anxiety is not only ideological. Early surveys suggest that 4 in 10 doctors would consider emigrating if the policy is implemented in its current, narrow form,” wrote Rob Rose in Financial Mail (26 March 2026)
“Governance risk has intensified after the Department of Health Director-General, Sandile Buthelezi, and other officials were arrested on allegations of fraud and theft in March 2026.”