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The graphic video shows live maggots in patient's mouth at RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth proves that this hospital has become a death trap and it is a result of a failed healthcare system.

This incident begs for a drastic action from the KZN MEC of Health, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu and her team to stand up on the plate and deal decisively with negligence by medical staff in our provincial healthcare facilities.

South African healthcare system continues to let our people down. Although people still have free public healthcare, the competence, attitude of staff and the quality of treatment is disastrous and leaves a lot to be desired. Hospitals, clinics and other health institutions in the nation are in total shambles. The government has failed the poor and vulnerable by subjecting our people to inhumane and degrading healthcare services. It is now clear that neither the KZN Department of Health nor the national government, have the apatite to turn things around.

Government needs to stop playing hide and seek with problems in the health-care system and embark on an extensive transformation to address the ongoing issues. The KZN Health Department reactionary response to the most health issues is typical. We have been going from crisis to crisis in this province. But what do we get in response? We get a knee-jerk response. The thinking around health care is just reactionary in this province. Its navel gazing. That’s all it is.
 
It must be thoroughly investigated how the maggots developed in the mouth of a patient. It really leaves a lot of room for us to wonder what kind of treatment/ abuse the other patients in this hospital have been subjected to as well. There should have been tighter supervision of staff rendering care to vulnerable patients.
 
Misconduct, incompetence and negligence have no place in our health care system, and any employee found guilty of such conduct must face drastic consequences, including dismissal. Lack of empathy has no place in our health care system. Heads need to roll here. At this hospital example must be made, and those responsible should never be able to get jobs as health care workers anywhere else.
 
When the public enter the arena of health care, they put their life into others’ hands. They expect high standards and professional care which seem to have gone out the door. There is a need to strengthen our voices against shoddy treatment of patients and to call for nurses to do their job effectively. Often one can describe some nurses as downright rude, obstructive and completely incompetent.

Issued by IFP