TONGA – “We rely on healthcare workers to take care of loved ones, but what happens when they are the very same people who mistreat our mothers in hospitals?”
The above was uttered by Lola Funzama, whose mother, Lydia Makhoba was allegedly assaulted and manhandled by a nurse at Tonga Hospital recently.
In a video circulating on social media, Makhoba is seen helplessly on the floor in the ward, undressed. According to reports, she was admitted on March 13, 2025 due to a diabetic foot and hypertension. A preliminary investigation found that she requested a bed pan after having taken Lactulose for constipation.
Her daughter said they tried calling their mother on the day of the incident and she did not answer her phone.
“She told us that after she fell off the bed and called for help, there was no response from the nurses. One of the patients then recorded a video and when we arrived, she cried hysterically. It broke my heart to hear how she was treated,” she said.
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She added that they were advised to lodge a complaint through the suggestion box by security personnel. However, they felt it would take time.
“To be honest, we wanted her to be discharged but there was no way we could assist her medically. All we want is for the parties involved to be dealt with accordingly because many more families entrust these nurses with their loved ones’ lives. It is a pity my mother had to trend for the matter to be attended to,” she sad sadly.
The Department of Health confirmed that disciplinary action will be taken against three nurses who were on duty on the day.
Spokesperson, Dumisani Malamule, said the patient was interviewed, as well as another who shared the same sentiments.
“They were summoned for explanation and writing of statements. Following this incident, the three nurses will be subjected to disciplinary hearing processes,” he said.
