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The South African Medical Association Trade Union says it is deeply concerned about the state of public healthcare facilities in the country.
This comes after a video by former broadcaster Tom London (51), showing the state of Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg, and detailing how he was treated by healthcare professionals when he was admitted on the 25th of August, went viral on social media.
In the video, London shows the ailing infrastructure and details how he was left unattended for two nights at Helen Joseph's casualty unit. He was also scathing about the treatment of patients by some doctors.
SAMATU says doctors and medical personnel work under difficult conditions characterised by outdated medical facilities, scarcity of essential medicines, and prolonged waiting times.
General-Secretary, Dr Cedric Sihlangu, says they will not condone the villification of doctors.
"We believe the growing trend of healthcare professionals being assaulted by community members and family members of patients is extremely dangerous and problematic. In the recent incident of the video that has been making rounds on social media, doctors are expected to perform miracles amid ailing infrastructure."
Meanwhile, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko conducted an oversight visit to the facility following London's social media videos.
"Having received a briefing from the clinicians on the treatment given to Tom London, the department is satisfied that adequate clinical care was discharged to manage his condition. In addition, the department is willing to allow an independent process to review the quality of clinical care provided to him while at Helen Joseph Hospital," says Nkomo-Ralehoko.
In addition, Nkomo-Ralehoko says on Saturday, the 7th of September, London signed a refusal of treatment form and discharged himself from the hospital.
"There are known infrastructure issues that are being attended to as part of the maintenance and refurbishment program. However, these have not had a material effect on the treatment given to patients admitted at the hospital."
London was transferred to Morningside Mediclinic in Sandton after people on the internet started crowdfunding on BackaBuddy for him.
