The IFP has raised raised serious concerns about vetting and hiring practices within hospitals saying the consequences can be severe and even deadly for patients.
Durban - The IFP in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has called on KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane to inform the public of her plan to protect patients from sexually abusive doctors in public hospitals.
This comes after the department announced earlier this week that a doctor at Port Shepstone Hospital was accused of raping a 20-year-old patient, who has not been named, within a health facility.
IFP provincial spokesperson for Health, Ncamisile Nkwanyana, said the responsibility of any medical professional is first do no harm.
She said if a medical professional violates this 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,” she said.
Nkwanyana said the accused doctor left the victim feeling humiliated, confused and violated rather than providing medical care and assurance.
“We call upon the KZN MEC for Health to present a detailed plan, with tangible solutions, outlining how she intends to protect patients,”she said.
She said the MEC must restore confidence so that people are safe in public hospitals.
“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,” said Nkwanyana.
Nkwanyana said the party has raised serious concerns about questionable hiring practices that are used within hospitals and medical facilities.
She said when hospitals fail to properly vet their physicians, the consequences can be severe and even deadly for patients.
“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,” said Nkwanyana.
The KZN Department of Health has yet to comment on the matter.