-
Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital.
The Public Servants Association (PSA) has expressed dissatisfaction with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health’s response following the death of 25-year-old medical intern Dr Alulutho Mazwi at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, Durban.
It is alleged that Mazwi was forced to work despite being unwell and fainted twice while on duty. The department has since placed the supervising doctor on precautionary suspension pending an investigation.
Leading a picket outside the hospital, PSA provincial spokesperson Mlungi Ndlovu said the association is not convinced the department is taking sufficient action in response to the incident.
Medical staff to picket outside Prince Mshiyeni Hospital in KZN
Investigation
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi confirms that the Medical Ombudsman, Professor Taole Mokoena, has been tasked with investigating the incident and broader 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. 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 adds, “We have also asked the Department of Employment and Labour to come and investigate because if someone died in the hospital, there are processes that need to be followed in terms of a compensation fund. It is for these matters that we are saying ‘enough is enough’. We have dealt with the issues here; the department seems to be lacking.”
The Office of the Health Ombudsman will investigate the circumstances surrounding Mazwi’s death as well as the working conditions faced by medical interns at the facility. Several trade unions have also criticised what they describe as poor and unsafe working conditions for junior doctors.
SAMATU demands medical intern death probe
