Families demand answers after suspended cardiologist's patients die at Durban hospital

THE families of patients of a suspended cardiologist want answers from Life Westville Hospital, Durban, for the deaths of their loved ones whom they believe would still be alive had it not been for the doctor's indefinite suspension.

Last month, the patients of Dr Ntando Duze, along with members of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, held a protest at the hospital demanding his reinstatement, alleging racial discrimination, professional jealousy and sabotage. Yesterday, the families of Duze's patients held a media conference at Coastlands Hotel in Durban, where they demanded answers from the hospital.

Since Duze's suspension, some of his patients have been left with no one to treat them while the hospital and the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) continue their parallel investigations.

The late Bhekithemba Mnyandu's family is pointing fingers at the hospital for his death. Speaking on behalf of the Mnyandu family, Andile Mnyandu said he's still in disbelief with what the hospital did.

"I've never seen something like this, that a life can be lost just because there are people standing in the way of a doctor who is helping people to do his work," said a forlorn Andile.

He said Bhekithemba's health would improve each time he had been to Duze's consultation. The late Zakhele Nxumalo's family said they had been devastated by the cardiologist's suspension.

Speaking on behalf of the Nxumalo family, Sindi Shangase said they wouldn't be grieving Zakhele's passing had Duze not been suspended.

"Oh, it's so painful what happened to our family. What makes it even more painful is that the hospital has never given us any explanation why Duze was suspended," said Shangase.

Duze, who was present at the briefing, said he remained in the dark about his suspension. He said what gnawed at him was getting the news that some of his patients had eventually died.

"I am still unable to speak about what happened. But what I know is that they would not have died if I was there," said Duze.

As families demand answers and Duze is in the dark about his suspension, Life Westville Hospital hasn't come forward with the findings of their internal investigation, which is still ongoing.

Following last month's protest, the hospital's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karisha Quarie, said, "Our investigation is still ongoing, and as such, we are not in a position to disclose further details at this time." 

Following last month's protest, it was reported that Duze was the target of a smear campaign by a rival hospital which failed to poach him. A patient who found himself caught up in the alleged fierce professional jealousy and racial battle between doctors at Life Westville Hospital revealed how a plot to get Duze suspended was hatched by a colleague.

In an affidavit deposed by the patient and a WhatsApp conversation between the patient and the plotting doctor seen by Independent Media, the doctor asked the patient to file a complaint against Dr Duze even if there was no evidence.-Additional reporting by Willem Phungula

SUNDAY TRIBUNE