By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Health Ombudsman has found no evidence linking the deaths of six healthcare workers at KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) public hospitals to their working conditions.
The investigation examined the deaths of hospital staff members in May last year, including Dr Tumelo Kgaladi of Addington Hospital, Dr Alulutho Mazwi, an intern at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, Mvelo Cele, a radiographer at Port Shepstone Hospital, Dr Siyabonga Zulu of Ngwelezane Hospital, Dr SI Ngidi of Benedictine Hospital, and Dr Francis Idika of Vryheid Hospital.
Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena, on Wednesday released the findings of a joint investigation into the deaths of six healthcare workers at public hospitals across KwaZulu-Natal.
While the investigation found no direct between the deaths and alleged workplace victimisation, it uncovered deep-rooted systemic problems within the province’s public healthcare system.
The investigation was launched following complaints by Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, and former chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sbongiseni Dlomo, amid growing public concern amplified on social media.
Investigators conducted hospital inspections, interviewed managers, healthcare professionals, interns, labour representatives and support staff, and reviewed hospital records, disciplinary processes and employee wellness programmes.
Mazwi, an intern doctor at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, became the face of growing concerns over the working conditions faced by junior doctors after claims circulated online that he had been forced to continue working despite feeling ill.
However, the Ombud found those allegations were not supported by the evidence, concluding that the most likely cause of death was a pulmonary embolism.
However, Mokoena said the investigation uncovered a concerning culture among junior doctors, many of whom feared that taking sick leave could negatively affect their training or place additional pressure on their colleagues.
The report also examined the deaths of Dr Kgaladi, radiographer Cele, Dr Zulu, Dr Idika and Dr Ngidi, concluding that each case stemmed from different medical or personal circumstances.
“The investigation uncovered systemic concerns affecting healthcare professionals across multiple health establishments. And these are that there are ongoing staff shortages, frozen vacant posts, excessive workloads, resource constraints, shortages of medical equipment and supplies, infrastructure disrepair, inadequate employee wellness support and security concerns affecting workers, “he said.
He warned that these challenges require urgent intervention as they not only affect the well-being of healthcare workers but also compromise the quality of patient care.
The report recommends strengthening employee wellness programmes, improving staff support systems, addressing security concerns, enhancing oversight and accountability, and ensuring hospitals comply with prescribed healthcare standards.
The findings and recommendations will be referred to the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) for monitoring and implementation. The Health Ombud said it will continue working closely with the OHSC to ensure the recommendations lead to meaningful improvements in healthcare worker wellbeing, patient safety and the quality of public healthcare services.
Motsoaledi welcomed the findings, saying the investigation had been commissioned to establish the truth “without prejudice, fear or favour.”
Motsoaledi extended his condolences to the families, colleagues and communities affected by the deaths, saying the healthcare professionals had dedicated their lives to caring for others. He stressed that while no investigation can ease the loss experienced by their loved ones, their service and commitment will continue to be honoured.