Action taken against Limpopo Doctors for reporting at work late
The Limpopo Department of Health has precautionarily transferred two doctors from Dilokong Hospital, Sekhukhune pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of professional misconduct.
The two doctors failed to report for duty after 19:00 and only arrived around 23:00, while they were officially scheduled to be on duty over the weekend.
As a result, patients in casualty and various wards were left unattended, and the hospital had to urgently call in an off-duty doctor to assist.
ALSO READ: Limpopo businessman appear in court for staged hijacking
Critically ill and emergency obstetric patients requiring surgery had to be diverted to Mecklenburg Hospital for emergency cesarean sections.
In response, hospital management immediately initiated disciplinary action, and the two doctors were transferred to other facilities to allow for a fair and transparent investigation without compromising hospital operations.
However, earlier on Friday, members of the surrounding community blocked the gates of Dilokong Hospital in protest, expressing support for the transferred doctors.
ALSO READ: Businessman Morgan Mohlala donates to Gauta BMX Boys
“We call on our communities to remain calm and to respect the internal processes underway,” said MEC for Health, Dieketseng Mashego.
“Blocking hospital entrances denies other patients their constitutional right to access healthcare services. While we appreciate that community members may have built relationships with healthcare staff, protecting patient care and service delivery must remain the priority.
“When patients are denied services, communities demand accountability—and rightly so. But when the department acts to hold individuals accountable for failing to deliver those services, we ask that communities support our efforts to protect healthcare delivery,” she added.
“The department emphasizes that disciplinary action is never taken lightly. When healthcare workers’ conduct compromises patient care, swift and appropriate measures must be taken. It is the department’s duty to ensure that all patients—especially in emergencies—receive timely, professional care.”
