Top medical professionals condemn suspension of Professor Ebrahim Variava

Without warning, Professor Ebrahim Variava was yesterday suspended from his post of Head of Internal Medicine at the Tshepong public sector hospital in Klerksdorp where he has worked tirelessly for the past 20 years. This has shocked his work, clinical, teaching and research colleagues.

His suspension comes at a time of National Disaster when medical professionals, particularly those expert in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with severe medical illness, are most required to treat patients with Covid-19. During his tenure at the hospital Professor Variava has built a superb academic department in an underserved province that trains medical students and specialists and conducts cutting-edge research into HIV and TB.  

We feel that the poorly drafted and vague charges bear no relation to our experience of Professor Variava’s conduct and dedication to ethical patient care, teaching and research.

First, as a medical specialist, he prioritises excellent patient care. His dedication has contributed to this peripheral hospital becoming a centre of clinical training and research excellence and an integral part of the University of the Witwatersrand. Prof Variava is a medical activist and speaks out for sick people. He has raised concerns with the leadership of the North West Department of Health about repeated and lengthy drug stockouts, particularly of frequently used antibiotics for common infections, and medications required for patients in ICU.  When it appeared that no one was listening, as recommended by the findings of the Life Esidimeni Inquiry, he raised the issue on other platforms.

Professor Variava is an internationally recognised scholar, having published almost 90 articles in peer-reviewed international journals and has conducted multiple studies on the treatment and epidemiology of HIV, TB and drug-resistant TB. He has been integral in providing clinical care for patients with MDR and XDR TB and has sat on advisory panels for the treatment of HIV and drug-resistant TB.

In collaboration with the University of the Witwatersrand and the North West Department of Health, he has ensured that medical students (including those returning from Cuba) and medical specialists are trained in the care of life-threatening and commonly occurring conditions.

In North West Province, almost all Covid-19 patients are admitted to the Internal Medicine Department at Tshepong Hospital. It is extremely worrying that at the precise time when the epidemic is rapidly rising, the leader of this Department has been suspended. The best interests of patients, the hospital, and its community are clearly not served by the suspension of Professor Variava. We, therefore, call on the North West Province to immediately withdraw his suspension, and urgently establish a constructive dialogue to resolve their differences without putting any patients at risk. DM

Professor Neil Martinson and Professor Glenda Gray are with the Perinatal HIV Research Unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Professor Gray is also CEO of the SAMRC.

They write here on behalf of themselves and various colleagues who support Professor Veriava.

SIGNATORIES:

1. Professor Neil Martinson – Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of  Witwatersrand, and Johns Hopkins University, Centre for TB Research.

2. Professor Glenda Gray – SAMRC and Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of Witwatersrand

3. Professor Shabir Madhi – Respiratory and Meningeal Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand

4. Professor Sithembiso Velaphi – Clinical Head, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand

5. Professor Ian Sanne – Right To Care, University of the Witwatersrand 


6. Professor Sanjay Lala – Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Witwatersrand

7. Professor Cheryl Cohen – Director, Centre for Respiratory disease and Meningitis, NICD and University of Witwatersrand

8. Professor Bavesh Kana – Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, University of the Witwatersrand

9. Professor Thaks Parbhoo – Department of Internal Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand

10. Professor Francois Venter – Divisional Director: Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand

11. Professor Danyia Ballot – Head, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand

12. Professor Ntobeko Ntusi – Division of Cardiology, University of Cape Town 


13. Profesor Haroon Saloojee – Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Witwatersrand

14. Professor Errol Holland – Clinical medicine, Coronation Hospital, Johannesburg 


15. Professor Wendy Stevens – NHLS and University of Witwatersrand 


16. Professor Guy Richards – Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital, University of Witwatersrand

17. Professor Alex van den Heever – Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand

18. Professor Ashaf Coovadia – Clinical Head, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Rahima Moosa Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand

19. Professor Udai Kala – Paediatric nephrologist, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital,  University of the Witwatersrand

20. Professor Peter Cooper – Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of the Witwatersrand

21. Professor Yusuf Variawa – Ex head of Medicine, Helen Joseph Hospital, University of  Witwatersrand

22. Professor Shahed Omar – Intensivist, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, University of the  Witwatersrand

23. Professor John Gear – Founding Head of School of Public Health and Wits Rural Facility, University of the Witwatersrand

24. Professor Ken Huddle – Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand 


25. Professor John Rodda – Department of Paediatrics, , Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand

26. Professor Gale Sher – Paediatric Neurologist, Donald Gordon Medical Centre 


27. Professor Marc Mendelson – Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town 


28. Professor Shaun Wasserman – Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town 


29. Professor James McIntyre – ANOVA Health Institute, University of Cape Town 


30. Professor Richard Chaisson – Johns Hopkins University Centre for TB Research, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

31. Professor Lucille Blumberg – University of Pretoria 


32. Professor Linda Gail Bekker – Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town 


33. Professor Raymond Niaura, PhD – Chair (interim), Department of Epidemiology, Departments of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University

34. Professor Yunus Moosa – Division of Infectious Diseases, University of KZN 


35. Professor Valerie Mizrahi – Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town

36. Professor David B. Abrams – Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health. New York University.

37. Professor PJ Cardona – Unitat de Tuberculosi Experimental Fundació Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, Spain 

38. Professor Johnathan Golub – Johns Hopkins University Centre for TB Research, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

39. Mr. Mark Heywood – Treatment Action Campaign 


40. Dr Imtiaz Sooliman – Gift of the Givers, South Africa 


41. Dr Avye Violari – Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand 


42. Dr Refik Bismilla – Johannesburg Metropolitan Council 


43. Dr Farouk Mohamed – Family Practitioner, Johannesburg 


44. Dr Sylvia Cohn – Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 


45. Dr Ravindre Panchia – Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand

46. Dr. Firdaus Nabeemeeah – Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand

47. Ms Minja Milovanovic – Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand

48. Dr Jenny Coetzee – Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand 


49. Dr Sam Vogt (MD), – Dept of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Johns Hopkins University

50. Dr Lerato Mohapi – Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand 


51. Dr Aslam Dasoo – Progressive Health Forum 


52. Dr Farhaan Williams – Community Service Doctor, KTHC 


53. Dr Nadia Sabet – Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand 


54. Dr Ryan Sabet – Klerksdorp Tshepong Hospital Complex, North West Department of Health

55. Dr Faheem Seedat – Physician, CHBAH, University of the Witwatersrand 


56. Dr Pramone Moodley – Department of Internal Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital

57. Dr Francesca Conradie – University of the Witwatersrand 


58. Dr Jeremy Nel – Helen Joseph Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand 


59. Dr Ndiviwe Mpotholo – in personal capacity 


60. Dr Vivendra Naidoo – Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital 


61. Dr Martin Davis – Paediatrician 


62. Dr Michael Greeff – Paediatrician 


63. Dr Klaus Leschner – Paediatrician 


64. Dr Nicolette Brown – Paediatrician 


65. Dr Rajendran Moodley 


66. Dr. Vikash Makan – Ex Community Service Doctors at KTHC 


67. Dr Adrienne Wulfsohn – Durban 


68. Dr David Rakotsoane – Paediatrician 


69. Dr Madnie Noormohamed – Paediatrician 


70. Dr Anita Lai – Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital 


71. Dr Shinny Alimia 


72. Dr Pramone Moodley – Department of Internal Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital

73. Dr Juliette Morrow – Ex Community Service, KTHC 


74. Dr Dorinka Nel – Anaesthetist 


75. Dr Carla Leiseganag – Helen Joseph Hospital 


76. Dr Claudio do Vale – Nephrologist 


77. Dr Shuaib Manjra – University of Cape Town 


78. Dr Anben Pillay 


79. Dr Tshepo Dibotelo – Medical Intern, Klerksdorp Tshepong 


80. Dr Didi Mokgogo 


81. Dr Fareed Abdullah – SAMRC and Steve Biko Academic Hospital 


82. Dr Mary Ruhani – Morningside Mediclinic, Johannesburg 


83. Dr Laila Suleman – Life Kingsbury Hospital, Cape Town 


84. Dr Jessica Elf – Colorado State University, USA 


85. Dr June Fabian – School of Clinical Medicine, University of Witwatersrand 


86. Dr Colleen Hanrahan – Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA

87. Dr Lebogang Kenaope – Department of Internal Medicine, Rustenburg Hospital, North West Province

88. Dr Lucas Herman – Bethesda Hospital, KZN 


89. Dr Tammy Moodley 


90. Dr Kathy Randeree 


91. Dr Sham Moodley 


92. Dr Chimen Lala 


93. Dr Adnaan Mia – GP, Cape Town 


94. Dr Anna di Donato Simantov – Zodwa Bridal 


95. Dr Danelle Jordaan Kirsten – Ex-Community Service, KTHC, North West 


96. Dr Asmira Davrajh – Community Service, KTHC, North West 


97. Dr Kate Shearer – Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA 


98. Dr D Govender – Department of Internal Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg

99. Dr Mark Cotton – Paediatrician 


100. Dr Sharika Raga – Paediatrician 


101. Dr Graham Jones – Paediatrician 


102. Ms. Priya Bhana – Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand

103. Mr. Klaus Mokoena – Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand

104. Ms. Anusha Nana – Pharmacist, Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand

105. Dr Erica Lazarus – Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand

106. Dr Ashraf Grimwood – Kheth Ímpilo AIDS- Free Living, Cape Town 


107. Dr Eesaa Docrat – Klerksdorp Tshepong Hospital Complex 


108. Dr Shaheed Gora – Neurologist, Milpark Hospital 


109. Dr. Marise Subrayan – Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bheki Mlangeni District Hospital

110. Dr Natalya Dinat 


111. Dr Justice Gweshe – KlerksdorpTShepong Hospital Complex 


112. Dr Limakatso Lebina – Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

113. Mr Nazeer Alli 


114. Dr. Kennedy Otwombe – Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

115. Dr Imraan Kola – Department of Internal Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

116. Dr Amina Goga – SA MRC 


117. Dr Tanvier Omar – NHLS and University of the Witwatersrand 


118. Dr Lucy Connell – Right To Care, University of the Witwatersrand 


119. Dr Tumelo Moloantoa – PHRU, University of the Witwatersrand 


120. Dr K. V. Moodley – retired GP, Chatsworth Durban 


121. Dr M. A. Khan – General Practitioner, Wolmaranstad 


122. Dr Regina Osih – Aurum Institute, University of the Witwatersrand 


123. Dr Solly Lison – CPC Qualicare, Western Cape 


124. Dr Boshhoff Steenkamp 


125. Dr Richard Tuft – Executive Director, Radiological Society of South Africa 


126. Ms. Kgomotso Phohu – Setshaba Research Centre 


127. Dr Paul Davis – Chair, Aurum Institute 


128. Dr Sharon Sunny – Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand 


129. Dr Simba Takuva – PHRU, University of the Witwatersrand 


130. Dr Lee Fairlie – WRHI, University of the Witwatersrand 


131. Dr Gary Rubenstein –Division of Infectious Diseases, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand

132. Ms Fatima Mayat – Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand

133. Dr Amirah Parak – Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand 


134. Dr Kagiso Motse – Nephrologist, Department of Internal Medicine, Rustenburg Public Hospital

135. Dr Titsiana Aduk – Paediatrician, Sunninghill Hospital 


136. Dr Harriet Etheredge – Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand

137. Dr Mantoa Mokhachane – Head, UUME, University of the Witwatersrand 


138. Dr Khatija Ahmed – Setshaba Research Centre, Shoshunguve 


139. Dr Valencia Simmons – Department of Paediatrics, Klerksdorp Hospital 


140. Dr Nilesh Lala – Paediatric Cardiologist, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand

141. Dr Jennifer Geel – Paediatric Oncologist, Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand 


142. Dr Cristina Vilaplana – Unitat de Tuberculosi Experimental, Fundació Institut d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, Spain 

143. Dr Ahmed Ismail Tayob – Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand

144. Dr Andrian Dreyer – Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand 


145. Dr Ismail Makda – Department of Opthalmology, University of the Witwatersrand 


146. Dr Yahya Nana – General Practitioner 


147. Dr Tom de Grieve – Gynaecological Oncologist, Klerksdorp Hospital, North-West Province

148. Dr Kurai Tsoka – Department of Internal Medicine, Helen Joseph Hospital, University of Witwatersrand

149. Dr Nicole Salazar-Austin – Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

150. Dr. Ziyaad Dangor – Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand

151. Dr Leon Levine – Retired Paediatrician, Rahima Moosa Hospital 


152. Dr Arne von Delft – UCT School of Public Health and Medicine 


153. Dr Dalene von Delft – UCT School of Public Health and Medicine 


154. Dr Deepak Patel – Paediatrician 


155. Dr Roshni Naicker – Paediatrician 


156. Dr J. Pillay – Dentist 


157. Dr Willy Hendson – Paediatrician 


158. Dr Alison Baxter – Paediatrician 


159. Dr Farrah Ismail – Paediatrician 


160. Dr Debbie Bruce – Paediatrician 


161. Dr Fikile Mabena – Paediatrician 


162. Dr Willis Linton – Paediatrician 


163. Dr Mac Magudumana – Paediatrician 


164. Dr Phillipa Penfold – Paediatrician 


165. Dr Shaaikira Chaya – Paediatrician 


166. Dr Ayesha Khan – Paediatrician 


167. Dr Ndaye Kapongo – Paediatrician 


168. Ms. Wieda Human – TB Proof 


169. Dr Rendani Mamathuba – Paediatrician 


170. Dr Eduard Bruckman – Paediatrician 


171. Dr Simba Takuva – Biostatistician, HVTN and PHRU 


172. Dr Lauren Jankelowitz – CEO, Southern African HIV Clinicians Society 


173. Dr David Dowdy – Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health 


174. Dr Cain Khosa – Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand 


175. Ms. Matladi Bothile – Hospersa 


176. Dr Lenise V. Semedo – Department of Internal Medicine, Klerksdorp Tshepong Hospital Complex

177. Dr N. Coovadia 


178. Dr Nesri Padayatchi – in personal capacity 


179. Mr. Desmond Archary 


180. Dr Stan Samuel – Intern, Klerksdorp Tshepong Hospital Complex 


181. Dr Shaheed V. Omar – National TB Reference Centre, NICD 


182. Dr Halima Dawood – Head of Infectious Diseases, Grey’s Hospital, KZN 


183. Dr Jackline Odhiambo – HVTN, Johannesburg 


184. Dr Simon Strachen – Paediatrician, Johannesburg 


185. Dr Diane Campbell – Nephrologist, Sunninghill Hospital 


186. Dr Genevieve Ephraim – Ophthalmic Surgeon, Sunninghill and Garden City Hospitals 


187. Dr Antony Kinghorn – PHRU, University of the Witwatersrand 


188. Dr Azraa Ghoor – Paediatrician, Rahima Moosa Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand

189. 
     
     
     
     189. Dr Stander – GP, Colesburg, Northern Cape 
     
     
     190. Dr Peter Berlyn – Consultant paediatrician, Kimberly Hospital 
     
     
     191. Dr Nirvana Pillay – Socialogist, Saurounia, Johannesburg 
     
     
     192. Dr Micky Sunnyraj – Department of Internal Medicine, Tembisa Hospital 
     
     
     193. Dr Fatima Patel – Johannesburg 
     
     
     194. Dr Naeem Moosa – Orthopaedic Surgeon 
     
     
     195. Dr Kajal Parbhoo – Paediatrician 
     
     
     196. Dr Asma Saloo – Paediatrician 
     
     
     197. Dr E. Moosa – Paediatrician 
     
     
     198. Dr S. Shunmugam – GP, KZN 
     
     
     199. Dr Anver Bulbulya – GP, Johannesburg 
     
     
     200. Dr Nirav Patel 
     
     
     201. Dr Kaushik Ranchod – Neurologist 
     
     
     202. Dr S. Hajee – Microbiologist 
     
     
     203. Dr Janine Meares 
     
     
     204. Dr Bhavishna Nagar 
     
     
     205. Dr Geetesh Vala 
     
     
     206. Dr Anushka Naidoo 
     
     
     207. Dr T Docrat 
     
     
     208. Dr Ebrahim Bawa 
     
     
     209. Dr Reshma Badal 
     
     
     210. Dr Kirti Ranchod 
     
     
     211. Dr Naeem Moosa 
     
     
     212. Dr Hemant Makan 
     
     
     213. Dr YC Vawda – Ex Member of Parliament, EFF 
     
     
     214. Dr Melanie Dance – Paediatrician 
     
     
     215. Mr George Lekala – Community Advisory Board Member 
     
     
     216. Dr Kate Hopkins – HCRISA, PHD Student 
     
     
     217. Mr. Engelbrecht Leroux – HCRISA, PHD Student 
     
     
     218. Ms. Lauren Fok – Progressive Healthcare Forum 
     
     
     219. Mr. Kagisho Baepanye – Heath Economist, PHRU, University of the Witwatersrand 
     
     
     220. Ms. Shamima Poonan – Reflexologist 
     
     
     221. Mr. Paris Pitsilledes – Matchboxology, Johannesburg 
     
     
     222. Ms. Sarah Martinson – University of Amsterdam, BSc Student 
     
     
     223. Mr. Ebrahim Shaikh – Community Member, Klerksdorp 
     
     
     224. Mr. Paul Kapelus – Synergy, Johannesburg 
     
     
     225. Ms Nicci Kapelus – Teacher, Johannesburg 
     
     
     226. Ms. Renee Poragadu – Educator, Regents Park Primary School, Johannesburg 
     
     
     227. Ms. Shakeera MH Ismail – personal capacity 
     
     
     228. Ms. Katlego Motlhaoleng – CDC, South Africa 
     
     
     229. Ms. Zareena Saloojee – retired nurse, Johannesburg 
     
     
     230. Mr. Azahr Saloojee – retired school principal, Johannesburg 
     
     
     231. Mr. Abdul Kaka – Pharmacist, PHRU, University of the Witwatersrand 
     
     
     232. Ms. Liz Wilson-Chandler – Gift of the Givers, University of the Free State 
     
     
     233. Mr. Michelle Nebergal 
     
     
     234. Azwi Takalan 
     
     
     235. Ms. Fatima Bibi Minty – Patient, Klerksdorp Tshepong Hospital, North-West 
     
     
     236. Mr. Ismail Adam – accountant 
     
     
     237. Ms. Resh Lakha 
     
     
     238. Ms. Yolandi Fourie 
     
     
     239. Ms. Shamelle Govender 
     
     
     240. Mr. Oupa Montsioa 
     
     
     241. Ruha Variava – teacher 
     
     
     242. Mr. Jeff Harrisburg 
     
     
     243. Geetesh Solanki – SAMRC 
     
     
     244. Ms. Usha Singh – pharmacist 
     
     
     245. Mr. Nazeem Akoojee 
     
     
     246. Ms. Aasia Vadee 
     
     
     247. Ms. Constance Plaatjie 
     
     
     248. Ms Fareeda Patel 
     
     
     249. Mr. Neelan Jayendra Poonan
     
     
     250. Mr. Nitesh Matai