Conditions medics work under can’t be ignored: SAMA

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) says while there is no justification for doctors and nurses to mistreat patients, the conditions they work under cannot be ignored.

The medical association was reacting to Tom London’s viral video which has caused a stir online, with members of the public sharing the same sentiments.

The former broadcaster posted a video on Facebook exposing the rot at the Helen Joseph Hospital, including infrastructural decay.

He also spoke harshly about the treatment he received from the doctors in the two weeks that he was there.

London, who has now transferred to a private facility, claims doctors spend time chatting away about their lavish lifestyles while patients die.

The former broadcaster, however, says he received good clinical treatment throughout his stay.

He is, however, unhappy with the doctors’ value system.

SAMA’s chairperson, Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa, says London’s outburst highlights the inhumane conditions that health practitioners are subjected to.

He says the dire shortage of personnel, broken equipment, dilapidated buildings, shortage of medications and lack of leadership in government is what kills the staff morale.

Mzukwa has pleaded with members of the public and hospital management to support their workers.

Non-Profit Organisation, DIMA Health, says the allegations made by London are a stark reminder of the systemic issues within the public health care sector in South Africa that require urgent attention.

The organisation says regular training programmes should be instituted focusing on patient care, communication skills and cultural sensitivity amongst others.

DIMA Health says the partnerships with NGOs will assist in improving infrastructure and ensure medical supplies.

“Create platforms for patient feedback and community engagement to address concerns in real-time, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability among staff.”

The Department of Health in Gauteng says it is investigating London’s matter.

MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, however, says London did not lodge any complaint with the hospital’s quality assurance services.

The MEC says they will allow an independent process to review the quality of clinical care he received.

“There will be consequence management for the team that was working on that day. Once I get that report, I will personally go and apologise to Mr London.”

The DA in Gauteng has also weighed in on the matter, saying London’s video is evidence that the incoming NHI will not work.

“The fact that South Africa’s richest province cannot run an efficient and caring public health service shows that NHI is a dangerous fantasy that will waste and steal a huge amount of money that taxpayers cannot afford,” says the DA’s shadow MEC Jack Bloom.

Tom London: “Earlier on, I showed you a video of the guy who was dying next to me. He’s dead now. It was 20 minutes ago.”

The man in question is just lying there, his head not covered, in the same room as the living.

Helen Joseph looks like those hospitals in horror movies.

— 🔥 Anarchistic Phoenix 🔥 (@Mo_Senne) September 8, 2024