The dean of Wits University's faculty of health sciences, Prof Shabir Madhi, has urged all of the university's students deployed at public health facilities to treat patients with dignity, compassion and respect.
This follows a viral video exposing the deteriorating state of Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg and allegedly uncaring and unprofessional conduct by doctors and nurses.
The professor said the faculty was "fully aware of the ailing infrastructure and shortage of health care workers across most health care facilities in Gauteng" as well as the challenges faced by health care workers in the state system.
Madhi's comments follow a viral video posted by former broadcaster Tom London, which highlighted the poor state of both facilities and treatment at many state hospitals.
London spoke about "uncaring" staff, saying he lay for a day in his "faeces" at the state hospital.
He added: "Two days ago a team of young doctors came to do a lumbar puncture on [a patient in a bed near to me]. While they were sticking needles in him and he was screaming like an animal - they were discussing their bonuses and cars. The doctors who run around here treat the patients like cockroaches."
He said the attitude went from the medical students right up to the top of the hospital.
"I have never seen a level of disrespect from human beings like this in my life," he said on the video.
This story is from the September 11, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 11, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HANDRE IS NO OLD DOG
Pollard happy to play a mentoring role with the emergence of new, exciting talent in the Springbok ranks.
Shaping future Bok prospects
With the Currie Cup final between the Lions and Sharks set to be battled out at Ellis Park on Saturday (kick-off 4pm), many are perhaps wondering what place the country's oldest rugby competition still has in the current rugby ecosystem.
Saleng strike sinks Chippa
Monnapule Saleng netted an added time winner as Orlando Pirates came back from a goal down to beat Chippa United 2-1 in a Betway Premiership match at the Orlando Stadium last night.
Arsenal look for good jump-start
JORGINHO: USE ATALANTA AS A MAN CITY SPRINGBOARD.
Yamal's Barcelona are aiming high
Approaching a decade since Barcelona last won the Champions League, the Catalan giants face Monaco in this season's European opener today aiming to make a statement.
Reds strut past Milan
Liverpool strutted to a 3-1 win at AC Milan on Tuesday as the Reds got their campaign in the revamped Champions League off to a stylish start.
'Happy' Kylian hits his straps
Kylian Mbappe (above) scored on his first Champions League appearance for Real Madrid as the holders started their trophy defence with a 3-1 win over Stuttgart on Tuesday.
Kane punishes Zagreb with four
Harry Kane (right) scored four goals, including three penalties, as Bayern Munich beat Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 at home on Tuesday-becoming the first team to score nine goals in a Champions League match.
A good week to draft a will
Attorneys on the LSSA website ready to draft at no cost.
Discovery hikes rates
The lowest will be across Smart plans with a hike of 7.4%.