A doctor’s perspective

Since she was four years old Dr Nozuko Mkabayi knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up. Now a paediatric doctor and CEO of Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, her life in a time of Covid-19 has been both challenging and fulfilling.

For her, her profession allows her to better people’s lives by helping them and giving them their hope back. In the last year, however, her life has also changed completely. The virus has made it difficult for her to work as there are many more sick patients needing high-level care as well as ICU care. “We are seeing a high number of deaths than before and it’s difficult to accept that we cannot always help our patients.”

The current situation makes it a depressive work environment as she now deals with so much death and severe disease. “Anxiety and depression is on the increase in all doctors and other healthcare professionals,” she explained, adding the ones that had mental health problems before struggle more and they are seeing a higher number of doctors with new-onset mental health issues.
The year has also taken its toll on her as she has had to watch some of her colleagues pass away which has been very distressing for her. Coupled with all these emotions are challenges like wearing PPE which she said is hot and uncomfortable as well as worrying about putting her family at risk of infection. One one of her biggest challenges is not being able to be with family during bereavement.

Mkabayi said doctors are all taking a strain, “Some colleagues have to take leave to quarantine which means more work for those on the ground but the government has assisted with contract doctors and nurses posts which we are grateful for.”
When it comes to the pandemic she wishes people knew government protocols of prevention, social distancing, masks and handwashing are all really effective. “Vaccines are safe and I have registered for mine and can’t wait to receive it.”

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