A DOCTOR practising from a major Westville hospital is being investigated after allegations of malpractice were levelled against him by patients.

The Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the Life Healthcare Westville Hospital have confirmed that Dr Ntando Peaceman Duze, a cardiologist practising from the health facility, is under investigation.

The editor: corporate affairs at the HPCSA, Tshepo Seloana, said the council is aware of the allegations against Duze and confirmed that these were lodged by six patients.

Seloana further confirmed that all the complaints are under investigation and so the council “cannot at this stage comment any further”.

In the case of adverse findings being made against the cardiologist, Seloana said the following penalties may be considered in terms of Section 42(1) of the Health Professions Act:

• A caution or a reprimand or a reprimand and a caution
• Suspension for a specified period from practising or performing acts specially pertaining to his or her profession
• Removal of his or her name from the register
• A prescribed fine
• A compulsory period of professional service as may be determined by the professional board or the payment of the costs of the proceedings or a restitution or both.

“The HPCSA states that the process is conducted strictly in terms of the aforementioned regulations,” said Seloana.

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The hospital stated that it initiated an internal review process after the allegations against the doctor were brought to its attention by the HPCSA.

The Chief Medical Officer at Life Healthcare, Dr Karisha Quarrie, said: “Upon receiving this information, we promptly provided the relevant details and initiated our own internal review process in accordance with our robust clinical management protocols, which also adhere to strict personal information safety requirements.”

Quarrie added that the investigation is ongoing and so further information cannot be disclosed at this point.

“We are committed to taking any necessary actions based on the outcomes of the review. It is important to note that doctors with admitting rights to our hospitals are independent healthcare practitioners and are not employed by ourselves. This distinction underscores that, while they provide essential medical services within our facilities, they operate independently. Our primary concern is always the well-being and safety of our patients and we continue to take pride in delivering patient-centred quality care,” said Quarrie.

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