OPINION - I REFER to the crisis at RK Khan Hospital, where a patient was found with live maggots in his mouth, and the subsequent reaction by the community and board.
As a member of the RK Khan Action Committee, I want to place on record that at no stage did we call for the removal of the chief executive, Dr P Subban. Our campaign exposed the fact that our state hospitals are death traps because of limited funding and a shortage of staff. RK Khan is no exception, as it is 40% understaffed.
These constraints, however, cannot be seen as an excuse for incompetence and neglect on the part of staff. In the latest case of patient neglect, we have called for an investigation by the hospital and the Department of Health before commenting.
In the interim, we have demanded that all vacant posts be filled immediately. At no stage did we call for the removal of Dr Subban, who has been doing tremendous work under difficult circumstances.
Replacing Subban will not solve the crisis at RK Khan.
Sabeena Chetty Durban
Daily News