Note to Editors: Please note Dr Keeka sound bite in English
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of a young intern doctor Dr Alulutho Mazwi, who passed away at Durban’s Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital (PMMH) on Tuesday.
It is alleged that the young man, who hailed from the Eastern Cape, was overworked by one of his seniors. This, despite the knowledge that he was too ill to continue working.
In an online post, one of his colleagues – who posted anonymously described the deceased young doctor as “respectful, diligent and a kind young man”. The same colleague also made the heart-searing comment that: “His death was not inevitable – it was preventable”.
The DA notes the call by the South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU) for a full investigation into Dr Mazwi’s untimely death. We strongly re-iterate this call.
We are aware that a senior KZN Department of Health (DoH) official has already been to the hospital to look into what happened. But this is not enough.
In the event that the allegations are true, there must be consequences for the senior doctor’s actions. These could include, but are not limited to, criminal charges, professional misconduct charges laid with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the possible loss of a job in the state sector.
The ill-treatment, bullying, over-working and inhumane treatment of some junior doctors by senior doctors is not unusual. Yet far too many remain suffering in silence for fear of reprisal. And now one such doctor has lost his life.
The DA will work hard to get answers in this particular case. We call on Dr Mazwi’s family to lean on faith and prayer during this very difficult period and we call for calm within PMMH until the DoH establishes all the facts and a decision is taken on how to proceed.