The IFP calls on the KZN MEC of Health, Dr Sbongiseni Dhlomo to urgently investigate and take severe action against the doctors who failed to treat a rape victim at the Vryheid Provincial Hospital.
“The 6 year old victim was allegedly raped by her father. When she was taken to the Vryheid Provincial Hospital yesterday at 3pm no doctors were available to help her. Then they call a Dr Idikar who is the hospital superintendent who told them that they must come the next day because there is nothing he can do. If this is true then Dr Idikar has not only failed as a medical professional but also failed to show the spirit of Ubuntu by not informing other doctors who might assist in this matter. Urgent action must be taken against him,” said IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Health, Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana,MPL.
“Medical staff failed to follow the accepted policy requiring that the emergency room physician do all rape examinations. We believe that any medical practitioner getting a rape case should immediately inform the police and follow the protocol but in this case nothing had been done. Misconduct, incompetence and negligence have no place in our health care system, and any person found guilty of such conduct must face drastic consequences, including dismissal,” continued Mrs Nkwanyana.
“Heads need to roll here. Very often the perpetrators of such heinous crimes get way because of neglect by medical personnel in examining the victim timeously and providing comprehensive reports to the courts. An example must be made at this hospital, and those responsible should never be able to get jobs as health care workers again. When the public enter the arena of health care they put their life into others’ hands. They expect high standards and professional care. We need the MEC to ensure professional conduct at all levels in the system,” concluded Mrs Nkwanyana.
The IFP calls for urgent recommendations about how to improve care and to ensure that this sort of unprofessional conduct does not repeat itself.
