Health Minister calls for ombud investigation into medical intern's death at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital
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Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi has called for the health ombud to investigate the death of medical intern Dr Alulutho Mazwi at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in uMlazi, south of Durban last Monday.
This comes after calls by unions and government officials within the health sector for a thorough investigation into his death.
Mazwi was allegedly made to work despite reporting he was unwell before he collapsed while on duty.
In a statement late on Friday night, ministry spokesperson Sello Lediga said while the minister had not received any official report from the province, he contacted the MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Nomagugu Simelane.
'The Minister believes that considering the severity of this matter, a senior professional with relevant academic and professional experience in this area will be appropriate to investigate this matter urgently.
'In his opinion, the Health Ombud fits the mould of such a medical professional, himself having been a medical intern, medical registrar, medical consultant and a professor who headed a department, therefore has a deep understanding of how the system works,' he said.
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The Health Ombud is an independent body established in terms of the National Health Amendment Act of 2013, with responsibility to protect and promote the health and safety of users of health services by considering, investigating, and disposing of complaints in the national health system relating to non-compliance with prescribed norms and standards.
Health ombud, Professor Taole Resetselemang Mokoena, who was appointed in 2023, previously chaired a panel for the investigation of surgical deaths at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in 1996/7 and the panel of inquiry into discrimination within the Cardiology Department at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
Mokoena, according to the Ministry, has the authority to issue subpoenas to obtain any necessary information.
'Minister Motsoaledi extends his heartfelt condolences to Dr Mazwi's family and colleagues and hopes that the investigation will help get to the bottom of this matter.'
According to reports, the 25-year-old was recently diagnosed with diabetes. The DA's KZN spokesperson on health, Dr Imraan Keeka, said it was alleged that Mazwi was overworked by one of his senior doctors despite the knowledge that he was very ill at the time.
The South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu) said this incident highlights the urgent need to address the unacceptable working conditions and treatment that most junior doctors, especially interns, are subjected to by their supervisors.
The union noted that junior doctors often face threats of not being signed off for completing their rotations if they raise concerns.
The Public Servants Association (PSA) said Mazwi's death was preventable and claimed that this incident reflects systemic problems at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, including 'inhumane working conditions, autocratic leadership, and abuse of power.'
'The PSA previously picketed and delivered memoranda to the Head of Department and the MEC for Health, raising serious concerns about the ill-treatment of staff. To date, no meaningful investigation or intervention has been conducted,' it said.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health confirmed on Friday that a supervisor at the hospital had been placed on precautionary suspension.
MEC Simelane urged interns at the hospital to come forward and voice their grievances, particularly in cases of perceived bullying or ill-treatment.
The KZN Health Department said three other dedicated healthcare workers died this week.
Last Sunday, Dr Siyabonga Zulu, a Medical Officer in the Department of Anaesthesia at Ngwelezane Hospital, tragically died, while on Tuesday, Mvelo Cele, a radiographer at Port Shepstone Hospital, died.
Dr Tumelo Kgaladi, who worked at the Addington Hospital obstetrics and gynaecology unit, died at his home in Clare Estate.
The details surrounding the deaths of these three healthcare workers were not disclosed by the Department.
The Department stated that these consecutive losses have left a significant void, particularly at a time when their skills, experience, and passion are greatly needed in the healthcare system.
'Each of them represented a future filled with promise, professional excellence, and the ability to inspire and uplift those around them.'
The MEC extended condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of these healthcare workers.
'It has been truly devastating to learn of the deaths of these young, talented professionals at four of our healthcare facilities. They were individuals who not only contributed immensely to our healthcare system but also embodied the spirit of service, compassion, and leadership. Their potential to shape and mentor future generations has been cut short, and we are heartbroken by this loss,' said Simelane.
karen.singh@inl.co.za
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