The Public Servants Affiliation of South Africa have known as for heads to roll after a physician allegedly died on responsibility at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, Durban. Alulutho Mazwi was a medical intern within the hospital’s Pediatrics division.
Talking to The South African, PSA spokesperson in KZN Mlungisi Ndlovu mentioned, “Our ideas are very clear, physician Alulutho Mazwi’s demise would have been prevented if the division had listened to us after we handed over a memorandum in August (2024) and in addition in February (2025). They did not take motion”.
Within the memorandums drawn up by PSA in August 2024 and February this yr, they accused the Division of Well being of human rights violations. They mentioned on the time Prince Mshiyeni Hospital had water provide points, lack of kit, treatment deficits and employees shortages.
STAFF SHORTAGE A HUGE CHALLENGE AT DURBAN HOSPITAL
Ndlovu mentioned he believed employees shortages at Mshiyeni hospital had been a potential purpose why Mazwi was at work on the day of his demise.
Talking to The South African he mentioned, “We demand a full investigation on how these interns are ill-treated and different frontline staff”.
A former physician on the hospital, Sbonokuhle Khumalo, took to TikTok to sound the alarm on Dr Mazwi’s case. Khumalo claimed that she served her internship at Mshiyeni hospital. She mentioned she knew very properly how poisonous the pediatric division could possibly be.
In response to Khumalo, Dr Mazwi was unwell and had requested for day without work from work. She alleges that his sick depart request was denied. In a press release, the Division of Well being acknowledged claims that Mazwi was going through well being challenges.
Screenshots purporting to be a WhatsApp message trade between Mazwi and his superior have since been leaked, allegedly by Mazwi’s household, on social media.
This message, which the South African has not but independently verified, was allegedly written by Mazwi. It reads, ‘Good morning Doc, I’m not feeling properly right now. Apologies for the inconvenience induced to the staff.’ A response to the textual content reads, ‘I anticipate you to be on responsibility.’
Mazwi’s colleagues, have since shared the screenshots throughout numerous social media platforms. They allege it was a response from his supervisor.
In response to the allegations, Ndlovu mentioned, “We demand that the supervisor concerned have to be positioned on precautionary suspension”.
PARLIAMENT REACTS TO YOUNG DOCTOR’S DEATH
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Well being, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, expressed his deepest condolences to Dr Mazwi’s household. He vowed that his workplace was investigating the matter that led to Mazwi’s demise.
Dr Dhlomo mentioned, “We recognise the immense loss felt by the hospital employees, who witnessed the intern’s battle and the affect of systemic failures in our healthcare system. It’s a stark reminder of the challenges confronted by our medical professionals, particularly these simply starting their careers. Their dedication to therapeutic and care ought to by no means be compromised by preventable circumstances.”
“As we mourn this loss, we should additionally replicate on the pressing want for reform inside our healthcare system. We can’t afford to lose extra younger lives to preventable incidents”,Dhlomo continued. .
He mentioned it was essential that the division works collectively to make sure that medical interns and professionals are supplied with the required help, assets and an setting to thrive.
Have you ever ever been pressured to work when you had been feeling unwell?
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