Prison whistle-blower doctor redeployed

A doctor who spoke out about medical conditions at Pollsmoor Prison while working there has been redeployed to another clinic, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) said on Friday.

Paul Theron withdrew his court application to return to the correctional facility on Friday.

He was suspended in July last year by the Western Cape health department after he blew the whistle on what he said was an acute healthcare crisis at the prison.

He was granted an interim order to return to work late last year by the courts.

However, he was refused access to the facility by the Department of Correctional Services.

Theron told SABC news he was pleased with the labour court’s decision to deploy him to another Cape Peninsula clinic.

“I remain passionate about treating prisoners and this passion is undiminished,” he said.—Sapa