JOHANNESBURG - Doctors are leaving the public service due to shortages of staff, equipment and medical supplies.
This is according to a survey by the Medical Protection Society.
It found almost all medical professionals say shortages impact both physical and mental wellness.
This is for the patients and the doctors themselves.
Volker Hitzeroth from the Medical Protection Society said the survey was conducted towards the end of last year and had over 600 respondents.
"One of the key headline findings was that about nine out of 10 healthcare practitioners in South Africa are concerned that shortages of various things [medication and staff shortages] poses a significant risk to patient safety," Hitzeroth said.
He said the healthcare practitioners fear that this is impacting their mental health and well-being.