A doctor has been arrested following allegations of sexual assault against patients at Madadeni Hospital outside Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal.
Four patients have reported the allegations to police, and the doctor is expected to appear in court. The Public Servants Association (PSA) has condemned the allegations, calling them a breach of trust that raises ethical, legal and human rights concerns.
The PSA said healthcare facilities are meant to be spaces of healing, safety and protection where people receive healthcare services without fear. The organisation warned that allegations involving healthcare providers who hold significant power over vulnerable patients undermine access to healthcare and erode public confidence in medical institutions.
The association highlighted that such allegations create a chilling effect on healthcare access. When patients fear mistreatment, abuse or exploitation, they may delay seeking medical attention or avoid healthcare facilities, infringing on their right to access healthcare.
Whilst individual allegations must be investigated fairly and in accordance with due process, the PSA said healthcare institutions carry significant responsibility. The organisation noted that sexual assault, if proven, constitutes a gross violation of integrity and dignity as well as constitutional human rights.
The PSA has called on the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health to conduct its internal investigation that would address and prevent such acts, whilst the South African Police Service attends to the criminal investigation.
The association said the Department of Health needs to ensure patient safety and take measures to prevent recurrence by collaborating with law enforcement and professional regulatory bodies when misconduct is involved, and by bringing perpetrators to book.
The allegations bear constitutional, statutory and administrative obligations when arising at healthcare facilities under the department’s authority, according to the PSA.
