The medical community is mourning after Dr. Alulutho Mazwi, a medical intern at Prince Mshiyeni Hospital, tragically passed away while on duty.
His death has sparked outrage and concern over the treatment of interns at the hospital, with many pointing fingers at management practices that might have contributed to this heartbreaking loss.
Supervisor Refuses Sick Doctor’s Leave Before Collapse
Reports have emerged identifying Terishia Hariram as the supervisor who allegedly refused Dr. Mazwi’s repeated requests for sick leave.
Despite his worsening health, Hariram reportedly insisted he continue working. Dr. Mazwi, who had been diagnosed with diabetes, had already collapsed twice while on duty due to his illness.
His pleas for more time to recover were allegedly ignored, and under pressure, he returned to work despite his fragile condition.
Colleagues Describe Dr. Mazwi’s Struggle to Keep Going
Those who worked alongside Dr. Mazwi say he was visibly struggling.
His colleagues noticed that he was physically worn out, losing weight, and barely able to keep up with the demanding workload.
Despite all this, he pushed himself to perform his duties until he finally collapsed on Monday, May 12, and was declared dead on the spot.
Widespread Abuse and Harsh Working Conditions Reported by Medical Interns
This tragic incident has shone a harsh spotlight on the toxic environment medical interns reportedly endure at Prince Mshiyeni Hospital, particularly in the pediatric ward where Dr. Mazwi was based.
Interns say they face ongoing abuse and intimidation from management, making their already difficult training even harder.
This mistreatment has been going on for years and has gotten so bad that some medical students are discouraged from completing their internships at this facility.
Allegations of Racism and Denial of Bereavement Leave Surface
Alongside the claims of harsh management, there are serious accusations of racism within the hospital.
Some staff believe that black employees, including interns, are disproportionately targeted and mistreated by supervisors.
There are also reports that staff members have been denied bereavement leave when dealing with the loss of loved ones, adding further strain to an already difficult workplace.
Dr. Mazwi’s Family and Colleagues Demand Justice and Change
In the wake of this devastating loss, medical interns and Dr. Mazwi’s mother are calling for urgent and strict action against those responsible.
They hope this tragedy will lead to reforms that protect vulnerable staff and ensure no other young doctors face the same harsh conditions that may have contributed to Dr. Mazwi’s untimely death.