By Celani Sikhakhane
- Dr Duze is under investigation by the Health Professions Council of South Africa after claims he performed unnecessary operations.
- The hospital confirmed receiving a letter from a colleague refusing to treat Duze’s patients, moving emergencies to other hospitals instead.
Life Westville Hospital in Durban is in crisis as some doctors refuse to assist the patients of suspended cardiologist Dr Ntando Duze.
Scrolla.Africa has seen a letter from Dr RK Naidu, who told hospital management he will not treat Duze’s patients “irrespective of whether I am available or not.”
Dr Duze was suspended in July while the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) investigates allegations he performed unnecessary procedures. The claims were first reported by Carte Blanche.
Duze’s lawyer, Samkelisiwe Nxumalo, said jealousy from colleagues is behind the accusations.
“My client has taken many patients from his colleagues. Now they are making false claims against him,” she said.
Life Westville Hospital confirmed receiving Dr Naidu’s letter. It said paramedics will now redirect emergency heart cases to other hospitals with cardiologists available.
“Our priority is the wellbeing of all patients,” the hospital said.
Duze told Scrolla.Africa he is worried patients are suffering because of the dispute.
“It worries me that the fight against me has blocked my innocent patients from receiving assistance,” he said.
Earlier this year, Duze failed in a court bid to stop Carte Blanche from airing its investigation. His case is still being probed by the HPCSA.
Some of his patients have protested outside Life Westville Hospital, demanding his return and calling him a victim of jealous rivals.
Pictured above: Life Westville Hospital.
Image source: Life Westville Hospital
