The Free Sate MEC for Health called for calm as the Botshabelo District Hospital speeds up investigation after the death of a 4-year-old girl who went to the hospital for tooth extraction, accompanied by her mother on Tuesday.

The incident resulted in the temporary closure of the service for thorough investigation to get answers for the grieving family, and for hospital management to clearly understand what might have gone wrong.

Mondli Mvambu, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health said the hospital has never had a tragic incident like this in the almost 4 years of successful tooth extractions benefitting more than 1000 child patients.

Trained staff were in charge of this procedure and have done many procedures successfully on the same day, and in previous times resulting in happy children and satisfied parents, MEC Mahlatsi. said.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to the family on their loss and will ensure that the investigation is speedily concluded,” said MEC Mahlatsi.

According to Mvambi Botshabelo District Hospital is one of the high performing health facilities in the Free State.  Despite many of the successes that the hospital has previously achieved, this single incident has devastated the clinical community, but must never be allowed to reflect negatively on the image of the hospital that must still meet the needs of the community that are dependent on it, Mvambi said.

“The hospital community at large is saddened by this incident. Our deepest sympathy goes to the family and the community,” Mvambi said.