THE South African Medical Association says it is certain that Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi's 3-year-old son did not receive preferential treatment at Steve Biko Academic Hospital when he recently underwent emergency sinus surgery.
THE South African Medical Association says it is certain that Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi's 3-year-old son did not receive preferential treatment at Steve Biko Academic Hospital when he recently underwent emergency sinus surgery.
Sama did its own investigation following an uproar from the media, by some staff and the public.
Complaints were raised that Motsoaledi's son was not turned away like other patients who needed surgery at the facility and that his operation was not an emergency but was treated as such.
Yesterday Dr Norman Mabasa, chairperson of Sama, said they were concerned by allegations in the media that the minister acted improperly in this matter.
"We consulted both the chief executive of the hospital, Dr Ernest Kenoshi, and the surgeon who performed the procedure, Professor Mashudu Tshifularo.
"We are satisfied that no preferential treatment was afforded to the minister's son and that the surgery was required as an emergency.
"The allegations against Motsoaledi are not only unfounded but are malicious in nature," Mabasa said.