It is hoped that striking doctors will accept government's proposal of salary increases ranging from 9.8 to 60.1 percent, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said on Wednesday.

In what he called an "extraordinary" press briefing, Motsoaledi outlined revised salary packages that were expected to cost government around R1-billion.

"It is the best that the country could manage under the circumstances," he said adding that the Treasury would need to help the department financially.

Outlining the packages, he said the lowest paid would probably be interns.

Their increase would range from 31 to 53 percent. This would increase their existing pay package, of between R205 604 and R239 744, to around R314 023.

The proposal for community services doctors would see them get around R392 599 instead of R330 226 ? an increase of between 9.8 and 18.9 percent.

Registrars' packages would increase from around R330 226 to R528 770 ? a hike of between 18.3 and 60.1 percent.

29% increase for chief specialists

He said registrars were doctors who returned to study in a specialised field.

In the past because they had in effect become students again their salaries had decreased.

This was unfair as it did not take into account that while they were studying full time, they were also working full time, the minister said.

Chief specialists would receive a 29 percent increase, upping their salaries from R932 399 to R1.2-million.

Principal specialists would receive a 25.1 percent increase from R769 271 to R962 174.

The government hoped its revised offer would halt further protests by doctors, Motsoaledi said.

"This is abnormal, we were pressed to clear the air. We are (normally) not allowed to announce our offer whilst the negotiations are continuing," he said.

Doctors took to the streets

The doctors took to the streets in April protesting against delays in implementing the occupation specific dispensation.

The dispensation was intended to increase their salaries in line with their levels of experience and stop an exodus to the private sector.

The department was tolerating the pickets because the government had delayed the implementation of the OSD, something Motsoaledi said he was "profusely" sorry for.

The packages were expected to be signed and implemented by 1 July.

However, while Motsoaledi reiterated that the doctors' grievances were valid, striking by health professional was illegal and they should desist.

"I hope they (the unions) will call their members to order? otherwise there will be no rule book in this country.

"If it's not done the medical profession and the hospitals will just collapse."

He said there were many reasons for salary discrepancies for doctors, among them the scarce skills shortage.

He explained that in some areas, junior doctors had been appointed to senior levels and paid at that level because no doctors were available or prepared to service such areas.

Motsoaledi said the working conditions and equipment grievances raised by doctors in their memorandum were being attended to.

"Health and education are a priority of government, we are addressing those issues."

Rural allowance were offered to doctors to attract them to rural areas.