The Public Servants Association PSA has raised concerns over poor infrastructure, governance, and working conditions at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, Durban.
The union says the situation highlights that the health department is not ready to implement the National Health Insurance NHI system.
This follows the recent death of 25-year-old medical intern Dr Alulutho Mazwi. It is alleged Mazwi was denied sick leave and forced to work despite being unwell. He reportedly fainted twice while on duty . The supervising doctor has been placed on precautionary suspension, pending an investigation.
PSA members held a picket outside the hospital demanding an independent inquiry into the incident. They also want a public apology and formal acknowledgement from the department for what they describe as systemic abuse of interns.
"So as the PSA in KZN we want to say as the department of health is expected to roll out the NHI, but with these conditions we have at Prince Mshiyeni and all other hospitals, we really do not believe that they are ready to implement the NHI," said PSA provincial manager Mlungisi Ndlovu.