The Northern Territory's health minister has accused Gurrumul's music label of using his recent health crisis as publicity for a new album.
John Elferink said the Aboriginal singer received the finest care when he was admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital over Easter with internal bleeding relating to his ongoing liver and kidney problems, but Gurrumul's doctor and manager have accused staff of leaving him to bleed for more than eight hours, and of racially profiling him as a drinker.
"Frankly to extrapolate that racism and racial profiling is pervasive in the NT health system because a doctor makes a notation about previous alcohol abuse is nothing shy of lunacy," Mr Elferink told ABC local radio.
"The Skinnyfish organisation continues to orate issues of racial abuse at about the time when their talent is about to release albums or is on the touring circuit."
Gurrumul's specialist Dr Paul Lawton said doctors at the hospital noted that the singer had an issue with alcohol, although he has been abstinent for some time, and asked Mr Elferink to explain why they would make that assumption unless it was racial profiling.
Mr Elferink said that allegation was unfounded.
"I am extremely cross that 7000 health professionals have been vilified by Skinnyfish as an organisation and I'm starting to doubt the legitimacy of what Skinnyfish is doing," he said, adding that Gurrumul was given "the finest possible care and treatment".
According to hospital protocols, Gurrumul should have been treated within six to 12 hours for his condition, but didn't receive treatment for almost 15 hours, Dr Lawton said.
"He was overseen and assessed throughout the whole process," Mr Elferink said.
"The surgical team spoke to him twice within an hour of him arrival at hospital to determine his stability. He was stable ... the treatment was appropriate."
When asked if he was satisfied with the hospital's approach and that no further review was required, Mr Elferink said: "I have never been more satisfied in my life."
Hospital spokesman Professor Dinesh Arya said he was disappointed Gurrumul's private medical details were still being publicly discussed.
"The hospital maintains its position that this patient was not racially profiled and received timely and appropriate care and treatment during his time at RDH, all staff are well trained in providing culturally appropriate care," he said in a statement.
"The hospital continues to review the medical records following concerns raised as it does when any concerns are raised about a patients treatment."
