Netcare has reaffirmed its dedication to providing critical care, including to members of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), clarifying earlier reports that a critically injured JMPD officer was allegedly denied urgent care at one of its hospitals due to the city’s unpaid medical bills.

Netcare confirmed that on the night of April 30, a JMPD officer received immediate, lifesaving treatment at Netcare Milpark Hospital, following established global trauma protocols for priority one patients – those with the most time-sensitive, potentially life-threatening injuries.

The officer underwent comprehensive screening and was stabilised before being transferred to another appropriate facility under the guidance of a leading trauma surgeon.

“As always, our priority as healthcare professionals is the well-being of our patients. We remain fully committed to providing the highest level of emergency care to every individual who comes through our doors. That dedication extends to the members of the JMPD and others who risk their lives to protect our communities,” says Dr Erich Bock, managing director of Netcare’s hospital division.

“We acknowledge the dedication of trauma professionals in emergency departments across the public and private sectors who work according to international trauma protocols to secure quality care for their patients.”

The officer later underwent a procedure at another Netcare facility, where he continues to receive medical attention.

“We are doing everything in our power to support our patient and will continue to monitor his progress and care while providing full support to him, his family, loved ones and colleagues during this challenging time,” adds Bock.

Netcare acknowledges that outstanding payments are owed to the company, including payments to the independent private practitioners who practise at Netcare Milpark Hospital and other healthcare facilities.

“Netcare remains fully committed to providing emergency healthcare services in good faith. In many emergencies, we transfer patients from private to public facilities or public to private, but only after stabilising their conditions.

“We rely on fair and timely compensation to ensure the sustainability of our operations and the continued availability of expert medical professionals. We are engaged in ongoing discussions with the City of Johannesburg and hope to find a swift and equitable resolution.

“Netcare deeply values the service of JMPD officers and all professionals who safeguard our country and its people. We have a long and proud history of providing lifesaving care to these individuals, and we will continue to stand by them,” says Bock.

A previous article published by Southern Courier stated that the JMPD officer was fighting for his life at a government hospital after he was shot while on duty.

The officer, who is part of the Tactical Response Unit, was investigating a case of extortion when he was shot. He was allegedly denied urgent, life-saving treatment at Netcare Millpark Hospital because the city owes the hospital money.

Sarah Wissler, chairperson of the Section 79 Public Safety Committee at the City of Johannesburg, said he had to sit for six hours waiting to be treated.

“The City of Johannesburg owes the facility more than R35m. Because of this unresolved debt, the officer was refused emergency medical attention and transferred to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, where he waited for hours before being stabilised. He is now in ICU, fighting for his life. This is an unforgivable betrayal of those who risk their lives to keep our city safe,” Wissler said at the time.

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