-
Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital.
The Public Servants’ Association (PSA) has raised concerns over poor infrastructure, governance, and working conditions at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, Durban.
The union says the situation highlights that the health department is not ready to implement the National Health Insurance (NHI) system.
This follows the recent death of 25-year-old medical intern Dr Alulutho Mazwi. It is alleged Mazwi was denied sick leave and forced to work despite being unwell. He reportedly fainted twice while on duty. The supervising doctor has been placed on precautionary suspension, pending an investigation.
PSA members held a picket outside the hospital demanding an independent inquiry into the incident. They also want a public apology and formal acknowledgement from the department for what they describe as systemic abuse of interns.
“So as the PSA in KZN we want to say as the department of health is expected to roll out the NHI, but with these conditions we have at Prince Mshiyeni and all other hospitals, we really do not believe that they are ready to implement the NHI,” said PSA provincial manager Mlungisi Ndlovu.
“They must fix the infrastructure and ensure that the manpower is there for them to ensure universal access in terms of healthcare in our province and the country.”
Remembering Dr Alulutho Mazwi
INVESTIGATION
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed that the Health Ombudsman, Professor Taole Mokoena, has been asked to lead an investigation into the incident and overall working conditions at the hospital.
“There are rumors that the person placed on suspension was seen inside the facilities. It is concerning because if you have been placed on precautionary suspension, you should not be seen,” said Motsoaledi. “Secondly, we are not saying the department must not investigate, but they cannot investigate themselves. That is why we have written to the Health Ombudsman to say they must investigate.”
Motsoaledi also confirmed that the Department of Employment and Labour has been asked to investigate the matter, including the processes linked to compensation for deaths that occur in the workplace.
The Health Ombudsman’s investigation will focus on the circumstances surrounding Mazwi’s death and whether systemic problems exist in how medical interns are managed. Several trade unions have criticised the KwaZulu-Natal Health Department for poor working conditions and a lack of support for junior healthcare workers.
