The Citizen reports that the reported suicide of Dr Bongani Mayosi has prompted the SA Medical Association (Sama) to set up a support structure to address the underlying problems of a heavy workload and long hours that lead to doctors suffering from stress and depression.  

Paying tribute to the 51-year-old University of Cape Town (UCT) dean of health sciences and cardiology professor who reportedly committed suicide on Friday, Sama chairperson Mzukisi Grootboom said the health fraternity was shocked to hear that Dr Mayosi had suffered from chronic depression in the two years before his death.  “Colleagues face serious difficulties in the workplace and, as they are treating patients, they often forget about their health, which is the reason Sama has set up a structure to deal with doctors’ mental health problems.  It is sad that we in the medical profession cannot look after our own,” said Grootboom.  He went on to indicate that mental health problems “have become prevalent in the profession and it is important to establish the root causes”.  Sama wants to find out what kind of support Mayosi got from UCT.

• Read this report by Brian Sokutu in full at The Citizen
• Read too, Why so many of SA's doctors are killing themselves, at Times Select (paywall access)

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page