27 May 2010

The IFP in Gauteng says it is not surprised by the latest crisis at the Natalspruit Hospital in Katlehong, where eleven babies passed away earlier this month, as the existing state of affairs at this public health institution is chaotic and dismal.

"This hospital has incompetent, negligent and uncommitted nurses and I am aware that it can take more than seven hours before a patient is attended to. The administration at the hospital is just as negligent. It is clear that they do not care how sick patients are and neither do they care about vulnerable, sick babies," said Petros Sithole MP, the IFP Chairperson in Gauteng.

Sithole said that the IFP was extremely concerned about the Katlehong community which has to rely on the poor services at the Natalspruit Hospital for their healthcare needs.

"There is no need for the Minister of Health to be so defensive about the poor service in government hospitals. The fact is that our public healthcare services are in crisis. The IFP requests the Minister to open an urgent Commission of Enquiry into the deaths of these eleven babies. The time has come for an open dialogue about the state of all government hospitals," said Sithole.

Sithole concluded: "The IFP in Gauteng would like to offer its sympathy and condolences to all eleven families who lost their babies. Our thoughts and prayers are with them."

Contact: Mr Petros Sithole MP, 082 743 1348.