IFP demands patient protection from sexually abusive doctors
His application for bail was denied and the case was remanded for Friday, September 16.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has called on KZN MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu, to inform the public of her plan to protect patients from sexually abusive doctors in public hospitals.
This comes after a recent incident where a doctor allegedly raped a 20-year-old patient at the Port Shepstone Regional Hospital.
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson for Health, Ncamisile Nkwanyana, said they also call on the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to ensure that all doctors found guilty of any sexual misconduct or abuse is blacklisted, adding that there is no place in hospitals for abusive doctors who prey on patients.
The doctor who applied for bail at the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, last week was suspended by the Department of Health following the alleged incident.
His application for bail was denied and the case was remanded to Friday, September 16.
Nkwanyana said the first responsibility of any medical professional is to not harm, adding that when someone violates that oath, they must be held accountable.
“A doctor who abuses their position to sexually assault a patient under the guise of performing medical examinations puts the entire health profession into disrepute. Rather than providing medical care and assurance, the doctor’s actions left the victim feeling humiliated, confused, and violated. As the IFP, we call upon the KZN MEC for Health to present a detailed plan, with tangible solutions, outlining how she intends to protect patients. When you check into a hospital for care, you do so with the expectation that in addition to the proper training, experience and credentials to handle your medical needs, every physician and nurse involved in your treatment is a person of integrity. Unfortunately, as this recent incident has exemplified, this is not always the case. The MEC must restore confidence that people are safe in our public hospitals,” she said.
She added that the IFP has raised serious concerns about questionable hiring practices that occur within hospitals and medical facilities, saying that the process should begin with a thorough analysis of the physician’s application and suitability for employment.
Nkwanyana said when hospitals fail to properly vet their physicians, the consequences can be severe, even deadly, for patients.
She added that the IFP is of the view that medical professionals found guilty of any sexual misconduct or abuse are unsuitable for employment in the KZN Department of Health, or any other government institution.
“People who commit these acts also pose a security risk and erode public trust,” she said.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Fever’s Facebook page
