Leading surgeon, Dr Guillermo Perez, 70, is leaving the Eastern Cape after 30 years of service at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane.He will receive no official acknowledgement.
Government policy is not to spend taxpayers’ money on farewell parties, said provincial health department spokesman Sizwe Kupelo.
Although not wanting to make a fuss, Perez told the Daily Dispatch when contacted for comment that he felt hurt.
“I am a humble man but my life was spent here. I put a lot into the community. I don’t need to be applauded but at least a handshake and thank you.”
He retired at 65, but carried on working on contracts which ended last month. His request for an extension was denied.
Contacted yesterday, Kupelo responded: “The department has no axe to grind with Dr Perez.
“We recognise his excellent contribution to the people of the Eastern Cape. The hospital attempted to have his contract extended for another year.
“However, this could not be approved by the provincial deputy director general for clinical services, Dr Patrick Maduna, due to a new policy which doesn’t allow for people to work in the department if they are older than 70.
“Dr Perez’s contract therefore could not be renewed due to age and nothing else. The department doesn’t organise farewell functions for departing officials.
“However, officials working with that individual would raise money and organise a farewell. This applies to everyone.”
Speaking from his Beacon Bay home which is being packed up as he and his wife, Suzana, head to Cape Town, Perez said he had followed in the medical footsteps of his father, also called Guillermo, who was a professor and specialist in internal medicine.
Born in La Paz, Bolivia in 1944, Perez studied and practised medicine in Germany for nine years.
His African experience came in the 1980s through a Bolivian diplomat who showed Perez slides of Cape Town, the Kruger National Park and the Garden Route.
A holiday followed and a chance meeting with an old classmate working as a doctor in Port Elizabeth in 1984, led to Perez taking up a surgery post at Cecilia Makiwane hospital in 1985.
He gathered a medical team of 35 specialists and doctors.
Surgery was performed around the clock.
“The atmosphere was excellent. It was so cosmopolitan.”
Long-serving CMH doctor leaves with heavy heart
Government policy is not to spend taxpayers’ money on farewell parties, said provincial health department spokesman Sizwe Kupelo.
Although not wanting to make a fuss, Perez told the Daily Dispatch when contacted for comment that he felt hurt.
“I am a humble man but my life was spent here. I put a lot into the community. I don’t need to be applauded but at least a handshake and thank you.”
He retired at 65, but carried on working on contracts which ended last month. His request for an extension was denied.
Contacted yesterday, Kupelo responded: “The department has no axe to grind with Dr Perez.
“We recognise his excellent contribution to the people of the Eastern Cape. The hospital attempted to have his contract extended for another year.
“However, this could not be approved by the provincial deputy director general for clinical services, Dr Patrick Maduna, due to a new policy which doesn’t allow for people to work in the department if they are older than 70.
“Dr Perez’s contract therefore could not be renewed due to age and nothing else. The department doesn’t organise farewell functions for departing officials.
“However, officials working with that individual would raise money and organise a farewell. This applies to everyone.”
Speaking from his Beacon Bay home which is being packed up as he and his wife, Suzana, head to Cape Town, Perez said he had followed in the medical footsteps of his father, also called Guillermo, who was a professor and specialist in internal medicine.
Born in La Paz, Bolivia in 1944, Perez studied and practised medicine in Germany for nine years.
His African experience came in the 1980s through a Bolivian diplomat who showed Perez slides of Cape Town, the Kruger National Park and the Garden Route.
A holiday followed and a chance meeting with an old classmate working as a doctor in Port Elizabeth in 1984, led to Perez taking up a surgery post at Cecilia Makiwane hospital in 1985.
He gathered a medical team of 35 specialists and doctors.
Surgery was performed around the clock.
“The atmosphere was excellent. It was so cosmopolitan.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos