NEGLIGENT DOCTOR STILL EMPLOYED AT ODI HOSPITAL

A doctor who was found guilty in a disciplinary hearing of misconduct that led to the death of a patient is still practicing at the Odi Hospital north of Pretoria because of a long delay in hearing his appeal.

According to a written reply by Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature, Dr E. D. Omogbai was given the sanction of dismissal in October last year.

He appealed against his dismissal and was reinstated because it was not heard within the required 30 days.

It is deplorable that he is still working as a doctor six months after a dismissal verdict found gross negligence in treating a patient.

Discipline in the Gauteng Health Department is a big mess, with long delays in delivering judgement and hearing appeals.

There should be a speedy appeals process, but 37 employees sanctioned with dismissal are still working because their appeals have not been finalised.

I am checking whether there are other doctors still treating patients despite being found guilty of grave negligence.

Poor discipline should not endanger patients’ lives.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, April 15 2015