Tragic death of young intern doctor exposes deep flaws in healthcare system

CapeTalk's John Maytham speaks to Dr Brenda Kubheka-Chauke, a distinguished physician executive and bioethics scholar with Health IQ Consulting.

Listen below:

The death last month of a 25-year-old medical intern who collapsed while on duty has sent shockwaves across South Africa’s medical community.

But beyond the shock and the grief at his passing lies a far more unsettling truth: his death is not due to an isolated incident.

Instead, others within the profession say it is a symptom of a deeply flawed system that too often treats its youngest doctors as expendable. 

Kubheka-Chauke says Mazwi's death may now force the powers that be to investigate and take action.

"It did shine a spotlight on the issues in the healthcare system, especially when it comes to the young professionals."

- Dr Brenda Kubheka-Chauke, bioethics scholar - Health IQ Consulting

Kubheka-Chauke, who qualified almost 30 years ago, says the same issues of interns being overworked and under pressure were prevalent when she was a young doctor. 

"It's sad that what I experienced back then is still pervasive today."

- Dr Brenda Kubheka-Chauke, bioethics scholar - Health IQ Consulting

ALSO READ: Gauteng doctors are overworked and sometimes not paid

Kubehka-Chauke says the profession needs to introspect.

She says there has been research done on the mental health of young doctors, and that the data speaks for itself.

"There are high levels of anxiety, of depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder."

- Dr Brenda Kubheka-Chauke, bioethics scholar - Health IQ Consulting

The Public Servants' Association (PSA) in KwaZulu-Natal has demanded full accountability from the management at Prince Mshiyeni Hospital, where Mazwi died.

KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane said the Department is investigating his death.

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation.