SAMA says SMU freak lab accident shouldn’t have happened

February 16, 2024 270

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) says the situation that resulted in the hospitalisation of 31 bachelor of pharmacy students at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is unacceptable.

SAMA has appealed to the university’s management to ensure that such an event never happens again.

The students are recuperating in hospital after developing eyesight problems during a laboratory practical session yesterday.

An investigation has been launched into the hair-raising and bizzarre incident.

SAMA Chairperson, Dr Angelique Coetzee, says necessary precautionary measures must always be taken during lab tests.

The university suspects that the students suffered an allergic reaction during the practical session.

The laboratory has been closed and classes for the third-year students have been suspended until further notice.

The university says it will offer psychosocial support services to those affected.

SMU Spokesperson, Dr Lusani Netshitomboni, says the students’ condition is improving.

31 PHARMACY STUDENTS HOSPITALISED

31 students enrolled for Bachelor of Pharmacy programme (year level 3) have experienced eyesight problems this afternoon, after their laboratory/practical session at the University. pic.twitter.com/YtfdPeDCGv

— Marvel Hlungwani (@MarvelHlungwan) February 15, 2024