The IFP, as the Official Opposition in the KZN Legislature, is concerned about the botched circumcision of a 10-year-old boy, which was performed at the KwaMashu Community Health Centre in Durban. The boy’s urinary tract is alleged to have been severed in a circumcision procedure.
Not only will this severely impact the boy’s quality of life, but it could also contribute to the ever-increasing tally of medico-legal claims in healthcare facilities across the province.
The boy is believed to be one of seven children who suffered complications following the procedure.
Heads must roll on, as the MEC has kept this matter under wraps.
While we understand that no one is forced to undergo medical circumcision, the doctor alleged to be involved in the botched circumcision must be held accountable. There must be mechanisms in place to protect the patients and ensure that doctors have the necessary skills to perform their duties.
Two months ago, the Auditor-General (AG), Tsakani Maluleke, revealed in National Parliament that medical negligence claims have now risen to R125 billion, with KwaZulu-Natal’s medico-legal claims amounting to R31.7 billion. In 2018/19, the Department spent R429 093 621.12 on medico legal claims.
Based on the findings of the AG, it is clear that the R50.7 billion budget allocated to the Department of Health for the 2023/2024 financial year will be adversely impacted by medico-legal claims.
Where is the money going to come from to pay for these claims? The huge sums being spent clearly indicate that the Department is not implementing measures to prevent medico-legal claims.
We must never forget that behind each claim is a patient that has been failed by the medical professionals that were supposed to help, not harm.
The KZN MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane, must break her silence on this matter and present progress reports on her plans to mitigate the actions of medical professionals that lead to medico-legal claims. We reiterate our call that people contributing to the costs of medical negligence in hospitals and clinics must be held accountable and be made to pay those claims.
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Contact
Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson for Health
078 302 3991
