Gauteng Health MEC Dr Gwen Ramokgopa says her department has stopped the services of the doctor, who is alleged to have sexually assaulted a patient.
“The department views this incident in a serious light and we have since stopped the services of the alleged perpetrator with immediate effect. This incident should not have happened in the first place, as doctors are trained to care for our patients and not abuse them in any form,” said MEC Ramokgopa.
The MEC reacted with shock to the alleged incident by a sessional doctor based at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital in Krugersdorp. The incident is alleged to have taken place on Monday morning.
“I am saddened by these allegations and it’s difficult for me to comprehend how can a professional entrusted to look after our vulnerable patients commit such a heinous act,” said MEC Ramokgopa.
Upon hearing about the matter, hospital management swiftly assisted the victim and alerted the specialist Family Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit of the South African Police Service where the sexual assault case was opened.
“Although we are allowing the police to do their work, we should send a strong message to our employees and community members at large that sexual assaults are human rights violations and should be strongly condemned and the perpetrators should face the might of the law,” said the MEC.
After the sexual assault case was opened, the victim was referred to Leratong Hospital’s crisis centre for clinical assessment, trauma counselling and collection of evidence.
“The implicated doctor will also be reported to the Health Professions Council of South Africa for his alleged misconduct,” said the MEC. – SAnews.gov.za
