Doctors back Gray’s comments

There has been support from the medical, scientific and academic establishment for Glenda Gray’s criticism about the government’s handling of the Covid-19 lockdown.

A number of medical, scientific and academic professionals have condemned the threat of a probe against Gray, the president of the Medical Research Council, for publicly expressing her opinion.

Gray is also a member of the ministerial advisory committee, a group of scientists tasked with advising the government during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Support for her comes after she took a public stand last week against the government’s lockdown strategy, saying it should be ended and replaced with non-pharmaceutical interventions such as handwashing, wearing masks and social distancing.

In an interview with News24, Gray is quoted as criticising the government’s lockdown approach as “unscientific”, and that it seemed as if the government was “sucking regulations out of their thumb and implementing rubbish”.

Anban Pillay, acting directorgeneral of the health department, has requested an investigation into Gray’s conduct, saying that allegations she has made in the media “are damaging to the government’s response to Covid-19”.

Pillay said “these media statements cause confusion and are likely to erode public support for behaviour change”.

In a statement of support for

Gray by about 250 professionals, the principle of academic freedom of speech is highlighted.

“We uphold the right to academic freedom of speech and call on the SA government to engage openly with alternate views, and for all of us to urgently work towards constructive solutions regarding policy, in the interests of the country,” the statement says.

The SA Gastroenterology Society is also standing with Gray, saying “we must not allow organs of state to silence views in uncertain times. Given this uncertainty, diversity of opinion must be embraced at scientific, civil society and policy level,” the statement says.

250 professionals have signed a statement of support for the Medical Research Council president