Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena, this week released the findings of a joint investigation into a series of deaths involving healthcare professionals at public health establishments in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Health Ombud's findings of significant systemic challenges in KwaZulu-Natal's healthcare system must urgently be addressed.
This is according to Dr Imran Keeka, MPL, DA KZN spokesperson on Health who was commenting after the Office of the Health Ombud released the findings after a joint investigation into the tragic deaths of six healthcare professionals employed within provincial public hospitals.
The Ombud found no evidence of a direct causal link between the deaths and workplace bullying, victimisation or adverse working conditions at the hospitals investigated. However it did find that there were significant systemic challenges affecting healthcare professionals throughout KZN’s health system.
The investigation was sparked after the death of young Dr Alulutho Mazwi, a medical intern at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital. At the time it was alleged that Dr Mazwi had been ordered to report for work despite being sick and had later died. However the investigation found that this claim was fabricated.
