KZN head of health scapegoated in health system collapse
The head of health in KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Sifiso Mtshali, has been suspended by the province's premier, Willies Mchunu, who cites the collapse of the health system in the province, particularly oncology services, as the reason. However, the South African Medical Association (Sama) believes this is a case of scapegoating as the problems in KZN's public health sector predate Mtshali's appointment.
Dr Sifiso Mtshali
"While we support the view that officials, including doctors and senior managers be held accountable for service delivery, we believe the healthcare problems in the province predate the appointment of Dr Mtshali and his suspension is nothing else but scapegoating" says Dr Mzukisi Grootboom, chairperson of Sama. For the past five years, the association has been warning the KZN Department of Health about the severe stresses service delivery was under in the province . Instead of taking heed of those warnings Sama was accused of playing politics.
Grootboom notes that if Mtshali is to be held accountable in this way, then his political leaders, the MEC for Health in KZN, as well the current and previous premiers should, similarly, also be held accountable.
"We would like to advise other colleagues in the employ of both the State and private sectors that their ethical obligations go beyond just adhering to service requirements. They need to remember that when faced with challenges and demands from their employers, which are in contrast to their ethical obligations, they will not only have to account to their employers, the media, and the public, but also be subject to the scrutiny of their peers," says Grootboom.
