Engcobo, Eastern Cape – All Saints Hospital in Engcobo is currently embroiled in turmoil following an incident that has left doctors fearing for their safety and highlighted the already dire conditions within the struggling healthcare facility.
On the night of Monday, 24 February, two doctors were reportedly attacked by security guards on the hospital premises, an incident that has sparked outrage within the community and prompted investigations by both hospital management and the Department of Health.
While details surrounding the altercation remain contested, the incident has brought to the forefront a multitude of issues plaguing All Saints Hospital, including staff safety, patient care, and alleged mismanagement.
According to Sonwabile Lwana, chairman of the hospital committee, the conflict originated when the two doctors were denied entry to the hospital grounds due to the presence of alcohol in their vehicle.
"The security officers told them that alcohol wasn't allowed at the hospital, and they went back," Lwana explained. "They came back a second time, and when the security officers searched the car, they found alcohol and a gun. Once again, the doctors were told that weapons and alcohol are not allowed at the hospital."
Lwana stated that the doctors returned a third time, this time with a woman, reportedly one of the doctor's girlfriends, behind the wheel.
"The security officers told her that she cannot get inside the premises with alcohol, and they offered to take the alcohol to the guard room and keep it until they came back," said Lwana.
He further alleged that while in the guard room, one of the doctors entered to demand their alcohol back, leading to a heated argument.
"The second doctor came to support his colleague and that's when they started hitting the security officers. The officers also exchanged blows and forced the two doctors out of the guard room, claiming that they are not allowed in there as it is for security personnel."
Lwana emphasised that the matter is currently under investigation by hospital management, adding, "Every institution has laws and if one doesn't comply, they must face the consequences."
However, the incident has drawn sharp criticism from the community, with residents expressing concerns about the safety of hospital staff and the quality of care provided to patients.
Engcobo resident Zukile Magwentshu said the assault on the doctors is crippling the already distressed hospital.
"The hospital has been struggling to attend to its patients, and this will also lead to more problems at the hospital," he said.
Zukile also highlighted recent reports and photos depicting patients sleeping on the floor at All Saints Hospital, a clear indication of the facility's struggles.
"That alone shows that there are problems. Also, there are complaints of patients having to spend hours without being attended to."
Dr AB Xuma Mayor Siyabulela Zangqa confirmed the incident, stating that he had communicated with the hospital CEO, Sithembele Magqadiyane, regarding the matter.
In a response seen by Daily Sun, Magqadiyane said the incident occurred at the main gate where two medical officers were assaulted on Monday night.
“However, medical officers are on duty and doing their work as usual. There were delays in consulting patients due to matters in their space, but it was resolved amicably. An investigation is underway on the alleged assault that occurred at the hospital. Thank you, honourable Mayor, and keep on sharing concerns that are of public interest regarding All Saints Hospital,” he said.
Magqadiyane, however, did not disclose specific details about the incident.
Department of Health spokesman Siyanda Manana also confirmed the incident, stating that "the hospital management was busy the whole day on Wednesday, 26 February, trying to resolve the matter."
Like Magqadiyane, Manana also did not provide details as to how and what led to the incident at the hospital.
The incident at All Saints Hospital has raised serious questions about security protocols, staff conduct, and the overall management of the facility. As investigations continue, the community is demanding answers and calling for immediate action to address the systemic issues that have contributed to the hospital's ongoing struggles.
