Durban - The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health have held a parade to thank the South African Military Health Services (SAMHS) for their assistance during the public servants' strike.
The SAMHS were stationed at hospitals around the province that were hard hit by the strike and provided healthcare to thousands of patients.
They delivered babies, attended to a number of patients who were in hospitals for a number of ailments and also dispensed medication to patients with tuberculosis, HIV, hypertension and other chronic conditions.
Around 300 personnel were deployed at King Edward VIII, Prince Mshiyeni memorial, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Dundee, Ladysmith, Manguzi and East Griqualand and Usher Memorial Hospitals.
Speaking at the parade held in the south coast of Durban on Thursday, MEC for Health Sibongiseni Dhlomo said: "You managed to save babies. You looked after the ill, fed and changed patients, cleaned floors and washed the laundry. Most importantly we also want to thank the army personnel who came with you for the security they provided in our institutions".
The MEC handed over certificates of appreciation to all members who assisted during the strike. The army personnel were made up of members from the Free State, Gauteng, Northern Cape and Western Cape.
Dhlomo added that the province could have endured further suffering had the military not arrived when they did.
"We wanted to thank them for their support. In education; people talk of catch up programmes, however with us we cannot speak of catching up when people, mothers and babies are already dead," said Dhlomo.
It was not the easiest of tasks for the SAMHS according to Colonel Sam Charles Baloyi, Officer Commanding at Area Military Health Unit in KZN.
"We had three shifts to manage. It was a daunting experience for us, especially having to deliver the very high number of babies. We are not used to it but we had to call in more experienced of our staff and the doctors as well as nurses who did not participate were at hand to help," said Baloyi.
