The Health & Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (HOSPERSA) has referred to the death of intern doctor Dr. Alulutho Mazwi at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, as both tragic and preventable. The union expressed profound outrage and grief over Dr. Mazwi’s untimely death, calling the incident a stark reminder of the deteriorating conditions within South Africa’s public healthcare system.

The union emphasised that this event has once again exposed the unacceptable treatment of medical interns, raising serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of healthcare workers in public hospitals.

According to reports, Dr. Mazwi had expressed feeling unwell before his death but was allegedly instructed to continue working. It has also been reported that he collapsed twice before ultimately passing away.

HOSPERSA confirmed that they have since been informed that Dr. Mazwi’s supervisor has been placed on precautionary suspension. 

However, the union believes this action is insufficient and has called for a full, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dr. Mazwi’s death. The union also demanded that the supervisor, along with anyone else found responsible, be held fully accountable.

In a statement, HOSPERSA expressed increasing concern over the inhumane and unsafe working conditions faced by medical interns and junior doctors in public hospitals. 

“These young professionals are often subjected to excessive working hours, staff shortages, and fatigue, leading to physical and mental burnout. Despite their repeated efforts to raise these concerns, they continue to face dismissal and overwork without adequate support,” the statement read.

HOSPERSA has also called on the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health to urgently intervene, emphasising the need for an inquiry into the working conditions at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital. The union has stressed that no healthcare worker should fear for their health or safety while fulfilling their duty to care for others.

In response to the tragedy, HOSPERSA General Secretary Waheed Hoosen said:

“Dr. Mazwi’s death is not just a tragedy, it is a damning reflection of a broken system. Interns are the future of our healthcare sector, yet they are being treated as expendable. We demand justice for Dr. Mazwi, accountability from those responsible, and urgent reforms to the working conditions in our hospitals. The health and safety of healthcare workers can no longer be an afterthought, it must be a national priority.”

HOSPERSA has vowed to continue monitoring this case closely, ensuring that justice is served.

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus 

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