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