Doctor cautioned for misdiagnosing a patient

By: NOMHLE KANGOOTUI

FOUR years ago Baby Ryklief was born with exposed intestines. The doctor who delayed his treatment, through telephonic instructions misdiagnosed him and he died. The doctor was found guilty last week.

Baby Ryklief was born on 03 November 2009 at the Walvis Bay State Hospital. He was rushed to Windhoek with a serious condition that necessitated an urgent operation. Dr Peuya Nashidengo misdiagnosed him over the telephone. This delayed the patient’s treatment and he died the following day, 4 November.
The main charges were failure to arrange diagnosis, and failure to treat and prescribe medication to Baby Ryklief. The other charge was failure to arrange emergency surgery and delaying the treatment for baby Ryklief without having seen him.
Nashidengo was found guilty by the Medical and Dental Council Committee last week. He was cautioned as in terms of Section 42(1) (a) of the Medical and Dental Act 10 of 2004.
Meanwhile Baby Ryklief’s mother Mymoena Ryklief (25) said she is unhappy about the outcome.
She said it was unfair and very linient.
“It was my baby’s life and he just got off with a caution. This is very unfair and I think the whole medical system is just wrong.
I don’t only blame Nashidengo, I blame the nurses who treat the patients especially a sensitive case like my son’s,” Ryklief said.
She further said she lost hope in the whole health system.
Although Dr. Nashidengo’s shift ended the night Baby Ryklief arrived at the hospital. There was another doctor who was on duty that evening, namely Dr. Orlando, a Cuban doctor, about whom Dr. Matti Kimberg of the Health Profession Council said the contract between the Namibian and Cuban governments indemnifies from prosecuting any Cuban doctors found guilty of misconduct or malpractice.

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