|
Shaik 'too ill' to leave clinic
08/02/2007 07:21 - (SA)
Nivashni Nair
Durban - The hospital records of convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik indicate that his condition has not stabilised.
Following criticism after Shaik's 74-day hospital stay, the correctional services this week stated that it would task a medical specialist to investigate whether it is necessary for the corrupt businessman to stay in hospital instead of continuing his 15-year prison sentence.
However, correctional services has now told The Witness that investigation is a result of information on Shaik's hospital chart which claims that his condition is not stabilising. Shaik was apparently admitted into hospital for high blood pressure, a reported mild stroke, an angiogram, and maxillo-facial surgery - an operation on his gums.
Several news reports had claimed recently that the correctional services department feared Shaik's condition was deteriorating. However department, Luphumzo Kebeni on Wednesday said that Shaik's "stable" condition would be probed.
"It's deteriorating. It is because his chart says that he is not stablising."
"We want to find out if it is necessary for him to be in a private hospital," he said.
Shaik's stay at St Augustine's Hospital has been dogged by controversy since day one when other patients complained that their stay had been marred by guards or by the secrecy of Shaik being there.
The controversy deepened when it was reported that Shaik had paid R600 000 for his treatment, that he was fit enough to walk around the hospital and have a smoke, and that he was receiving preferential treatment by the hospital, who weekly changed his name to protect his identity.
While the correctional services department confirmed that they are prepared to stand firmly behind their initial statement that Shaik had the right to stay in a private hospital if he was paying for his own treatment, the South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights and political commentators have been putting pressure on the department to investigate.
The Shaik family has refused to talk about his condition to media on the ground that Shaik needed "peace and quiet". More light is expected to be shed on the issue this week after the departmentís medical specialists examine Shaik.
Kebeni did not indicate when the medical specialist will visit Shaik.
- The Witness
|
News
