29 June 2022

SASA Statement of Support for “I am” Movement     

The South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (SASA) is a member-based organisation representing over 90% of the anaesthetists working across South Africa in the public, private and academic sectors.  Our members provide anaesthetics and medical care for patients coming for surgery, admitted in ICU or the critical care environment, and also those requiring chronic pain management.  The entire training and purpose of an anaesthetist is in keeping the patient safe, improving their outcomes, and treating them during some of the most traumatic times of a patient’s life.  Anaesthetists are, as a result, highly committed and dedicated advocates for best patient care, patient safety, and the right to access these in times of need.

SASA recognises that many of our members are bearing the burden of trying to provide best quality care in a system that is failing to enable this or support their efforts. Curators and administrators are also not hearing their repeated cries at local and national level for improvement and collaboration on suggestions for this improvement.  Many within the system even seek to actively silence those voices, especially in our public sector.  These voices must never be silenced. For the health of the patient and the healthcare worker alike we need to be listening and hearing what is being called for, we need to act and we need to demand better action.

SASA supports the “I am” movement and every one of our members who is fighting for improved healthcare services for our nation.  We encourage all members who wish to support this initiative to do so, boldly and proudly.  We pledge the Society’s full support to those who are part of the “I Am” movement.

SASA asks all South Africans to add their voices of support to the clinicians fighting for their care, and we thank those who are already doing so. Each one of us is ultimately a patient.