The KZN Department of Health is grappling with the sudden loss of four medical professionals in less than a week, as questions mount over the death of an intern doctor who died, allegedly after being forced to work while unwell.

According to The Witness, Dr Alulutho Mazwi, who was based at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Durban, died at work on Monday.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that despite reporting ill health, his supervisor allegedly pressured him to continue working. An internal investigation has since been launched by the hospital’s CEO.

The South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu) has condemned the alleged treatment of Mazwi and vowed to closely monitor the investigation.

Samatu provincial chairperson Dr Sbahle Khumalo said the union is disturbed by claims that the intern was forced to work under such conditions.

Khumalo urged junior doctors to report abuse, even anonymously, to avoid similar tragedies. She added that Samatu is planning sessions to educate junior staff on labour rights in healthcare facilities.

A doctor at the hospital, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, confirmed that an investigation is underway, although the provincial health department did not officially confirm it in response to questions from The Witness.

Instead, the department issued a statement expressing its devastation at the ‘extraordinary loss’ of four of its staff members in separate incidents:

“The KZN Department of Health is shocked and deeply saddened by the untimely deaths of four medical professionals in separate incidents at four different facilities.

“This department is struggling to come to terms with the extraordinary loss of these staff members, whose dedication and service left an indelible mark on their colleagues and communities.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the department extends its most sincere condolences to the families, friends, loved ones, and colleagues of the departed.”

The four professionals include:

• Dr Siyabonga Zulu: A medical officer in anaesthesia at Ngwelezane Hospital who died on Sunday;
• Dr Alulutho Mazwi of Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, who died on Monday;
• Mr Mvelo Cele: A radiographer at Port Shepstone Hospital who died on Tuesday while on duty;
• Dr Tumelo Kgaladi who worked at Addington Hospital’s obstetrics and gynaecology unit, and was found dead at his home in Clare Estate.

KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane said the department is heartbroken.

The department said plans are underway to honour the lives and contributions of the deceased, and that support is being provided to the affected institutions and families.

The South African Human Rights Commission has also expressed concern over conditions faced by junior doctors in public hospitals and has previously called for a review of their workload and support systems.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.