Community outrage grows over Dr Ntando Duze’s suspension at Life Westville Hospital

Community rallies behind suspended cardiologist

A storm is brewing outside Life Westville Hospital in Durban, where patients, nurses, and civil society groups have taken to the pavement in protest. Their demand is simple: reinstate Dr Ntando Duze.

The respected cardiologist was suspended after complaints — which his supporters claim were fabricated — surfaced against him. At the heart of the controversy is an allegation that another doctor at the hospital coerced patients into filing false complaints to tarnish Duze’s name.

“We cannot let this go”

A nurse at the hospital, speaking anonymously, said staff would be joining the protests. “The management cannot ignore this doctor’s actions. There is evidence and even an admission, yet nothing has been done,” the nurse told protesters.

According to an affidavit from a patient and WhatsApp exchanges seen by those involved, the doctor accused of plotting against Duze allegedly asked a patient to submit a false complaint. The patient refused — instead reporting the incident to hospital management. Despite the doctor’s admission and an apology to the patient, no disciplinary action was taken.

Alleged rivalry and a rejected R15 million offer

Insiders claim the tensions stem from professional rivalry and an alleged poaching attempt. A rival hospital, reportedly owned by a competing medical group, is said to have offered Duze R15 million and a house to join their cardiology unit. He turned it down.

Some believe that rejection fuelled efforts to damage his career, with other patients allegedly persuaded to make complaints that eventually led to his suspension.

Hospital’s official stance

Life Westville Hospital regional manager Bhaviksha Maharaj confirmed Duze’s admitting privileges had been “temporarily suspended” pending both an internal review and an independent investigation by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

“This precautionary measure did not prevent him from practising elsewhere or seeing patients in his rooms,” Maharaj said, adding that Duze chose to end his practising relationship with the hospital before the internal review was completed.

The hospital has denied any racial discrimination, insisting it remains committed to fairness and equality. However, it declined to address specifics, citing the ongoing HPCSA investigation.

Public reaction and broader concerns

On social media, the hashtag #JusticeForDrDuze has begun trending in Durban, with many questioning why the doctor accused of coercion faced no disciplinary action. Others have raised broader concerns about medical ethics, whistleblower protection, and whether South Africa’s private healthcare sector allows professional rivalries to override patient care.

For protesters outside Life Westville Hospital, the fight is about more than just one doctor’s career. It’s about trust in the system, transparency in private healthcare, and ensuring that medical ethics aren’t compromised by power plays behind closed doors.

Source:IOL 

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