Assaulted doctor still in ICU
A DURBAN gynaecologist, who was allegedly assaulted by the relative of a patient who died, remains in the Intensive Care Unit.
Dr Ayesha Ghani, 51, sustained a fractured nose and injuries to her eyes after she was punched.
The patient, Somaya Sayed, 39, was admitted to the Lenmed Shifa Hospital on February 24 to undergo a procedure.
She was then taken to the ICU to recover but died shortly after.
After hearing about her death, Sayed’s brother, a taxi owner, allegedly went to the hospital and assaulted Ghani.
Sayed, a businesswoman, was buried at the Brown’s Avenue Cemetery in Overport.
The brother’s dad, the late Baboo Bux, was a community activist and trustee at the Sparks Road Mosque.
He suffered a heart attack last November.
A friend of the family said the brother had not come to terms with his dad’s death and losing his sister pushed him over the edge.
“He was emotional at the time of the incident and blamed the doctor for his sister’s death. They shared a close relationship.”
Dr Akthar Hussain, chairperson of the South African Medical Association, said Ghani was still in ICU.
“We are shocked by the brutality of the attack. The doctor and her family are still traumatised. It was wrong for the family to blame the patient’s death on the doctor and attack in such a manner.”
Michelle Naidoo, marketing and communications manager for the Lenmed Group, said the authorities were investigating and the hospital would take appropriate action.
Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said a case of assault had been opened.
“The docket was sent to the senior public prosecutor for a decision.”