[BREAKING] Revealed: Devastating medical negligence in local hospitals
The total claimed for negligence at the Leratong and Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospitals comes to almost R30 million.
The Gauteng Health Department has paid out R1 017 billion since January 2015 to settle 185 medical negligence claims, and two hospitals in Krugersdorp contributed to that staggering amount.
The Department also took no disciplinary action whatsoever against any of the staff involved in these incidents.
These are just two of the shock disclosures made by Gauteng Health MEC, Gwen Ramokgopa, in a written reply to questions posed by DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom in the Gauteng Legislature recently.
The total claimed for negligence at the Leratong and Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospitals comes to almost R30 million.
Leratong Hospital’s negligence claims payout were:
• Negligence in administering the drug Cytec to induce birth, when it had not been approved – R378 816,62
• Cerebral and mental retardation (three patients) – R22 471 124,07
Three cases against this hospital are still pending.
Read more: Claims of assault by hospital and visitor
Yusuf Dadoo’s negligence claims payout were:
• Cerebral palsy and birth asphyxia (two babies) – R3 million
• Amputation of arm (one person) and leg (one person) – R4 million
Read more: More complaints surface about hospital
“While the payouts and future claims are huge, no amount of money can compensate for the agony and misery endured by the victims of medical neglect,” Bloom said.
Court-ordered payments for medical negligence have risen every year. According to the 2016/ 17 Gauteng Health Department Annual Report, the total potential medico-legal liability from claims is now an astounding R13,452 billion.
“It is astounding that no staff at all have been disciplined for any of the negligence cases. Better management and accountability, as well as adequate staffing and equipment, are essential in curbing medical mistakes.”
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