'Dr Death': Spare my patients

21 January 2015 - 02:14 By Sipho Masombuka
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Dr Wouter Basson. File photo
Dr Wouter Basson. File photo
Image: Sydney Seshibedi

Cardiologist Wouter Basson said thousands of patients would be affected should he be struck off the roll of medical practitioners.

The former apartheid chemical warfare expert - once dubbed "Dr Death" - said in papers filed in the Pretoria High Court that he has about 13000 patients, some of whom were in hospital, and had booked a theatre for operations up to six months in advance.

He said: "If I am removed from the roll or suspended now without having a proper opportunity to protect my rights it will mean that my practice, where there are 12 people employed, will practically close down with immediate effect and will have devastating effects not only for me but also for my patients," he said.

On Monday Basson secured an interim order preventing the Health Professions Council of SA from continuing with his sentencing. He wants Judge Selby Baqwa to order that the council's professional conduct committee chairman, Professor Jannie Hugo, disclose whether he was a member of any organisations that petitioned for his removal from the medical practitioners' roll.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now