HPCSA confirms investigation into Westville cardiologist over patient complaints
The Health Professions Council of South Africa has confirmed that it is investigating complaints against Westville cardiologist Dr Ntando Duze.
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The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has revealed that it is investigating a Westville doctor following complaints from patients.
The council stated it is looking into claims of unprofessional conduct against Westville cardiologist Dr Ntando Duze.
It added that it was not aware of complaints of an alleged ‘smear’ campaign.
Duze recently spoke to The Mercury, where he said that he has been a victim of a smear campaign, whereby some of his colleagues were calling his patients to solicit complaints to file with the council in order to have him suspended or stripped of his medical licence.
One of Dr Duze’s patients confirmed that he had been approached by one of Dr Duze’s colleagues to file a complaint. The patient viewed the conduct by this doctor as unprofessional and laid a complaint with the hospital, forcing this doctor to write an apology to him. The patient also submitted an affidavit to the police detailing the conduct of this doctor said to be leading the smear campaign against Duze.
In response to questions from The Mercury, the HPCSA stated, “Save to state that the HPCSA is not aware of complaints of an alleged ‘smear’ campaign, the HPCSA can confirm complaints received from patients. Yes, the HPCSA is aware of the complaints against Dr Duze. The complaints are of unprofessional conduct. The complaints are being investigated in terms of the regulations, and the HPCSA is unable to comment further at this stage.”
Dr Duze said that the accusations were motivated by professional jealousy and racism.