South Africa troops sent to hospitals amid general strike

As a public health crisis worsens, South Africa has sent military personnel to hospitals. This comes after doctors and other public service employees joined them in a strike to demand higher pay.

In the worst-hit facilities, military troops are providing medical care.

Since last Monday, public employees have been demonstrating to call for a 10% pay increase. Government provided a 4.7% rate.

The strike will get worse until the union's requests are met, according to their union.

According to a local TV station's story, troops have been sent to the strike's hardest-hit areas, Thelle Mogoerane, Sebokeng, and Bheki Mlangeni.

It's thought that some emergency calls went unanswered because access to certain facilities was still blocked off.

According to Health Minister Joe Phaahla, the walkout caused fatalities.