By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Health Ombudsman, Professor Taole Mokoena, has initiated an independent inquiry into the death of Dr Alulutho Mazwi, who collapsed at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.
The 25-year-old, who was diagnosed with diabetes, succumbed to his illness while on duty last Monday. He collapsed after being denied sick leave by his manager.
His family has revealed that Mazwi had diabetes and was diagnosed over a year ago. His uncle Vumani Mazwi said in the days leading up to his death, his health had deteriorated. He claimed that despite ill health, his nephew was pressured to continue working and had reported for duty.
“The weekend before he passed on, he was home in Mthatha [Eastern Cape]. We could see he wasn’t well. He couldn’t even drive himself. His mother drove him back to work [in KZN]. He left his car in Mthatha and still persisted on going to work despite his condition,” said the uncle.
He was supposed to be admitted to the hospital for medical treatment on Monday, the day he passed away, but he had pushed himself to go to work following the alleged threats that he would have to repeat rotation.
“He complained about this treatment, not once, but multiple times. His complaints were more about the environment but also about a particular person. It was about ill-treatment and unfair labour practices,” he said.
Mazwi’s death has sparked outrage with political parties, unions and the medical fraternity calling for an investigation into allegations of ill-treatment of staff at the facility.
Spokesperson of the Ombuds office, Ricardo Mahlakanya, said the investigation will focus on determining the events leading to Dr Mazwi’s passing; evaluating the working conditions and support systems for medical interns and other health professionals at the facility; identifying any systemic issues or lapses in protocol that may have contributed to this incident and providing recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“To maintain public trust and prevent such incidents in future, it is imperative to ensure systemic improvements in healthcare practices,” said Professor Mokoena.
Mahlakanya added that updates regarding the progress and findings of the investigations will be communicated once everything has been concluded.
Meanwhile the memorial service will be held at the hospital’s Nurses Hall on Tuesday, May 20, at 12 noon.
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane expressed her condolences to Dr Mazwi’s family and confirmed that the department has launched an investigation into the incident.
“We understand that there are allegations that Dr Mazwi was denied leave after he reported that he was sick. We wish to say that we have not taken these allegations lightly,” the MEC said. “The supervisor has been placed on precautionary suspension as the investigation continues.”
Simelane encouraged intern doctors and other staff not to remain silent when facing mistreatment. “The office of the HOD and mine are always open to hear any complaints. We even allow anonymous letters and then investigate complaints.”
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said he was deeply concerned by the media reports of Dr Mazwi’s death. He confirmed he had spoken to MEC Simelane before departing for the World Health Assembly in Geneva.