Minister tackles baby deaths at Lim hospital

HEALTH minister, Aaron Motsoaledi announced on Friday that he deployed a high level delegation to investigate the deaths of nine babies at Maphutha Malatji Hospital in Namakgale, Phalaborwa.

Motsoaledi said his office would take action soon after the completion of the investigation.

Limpopo DA Leader, Jacques Smalle, said the DA has written a letter to the South African Nursing Council (SANC) asking them to investigate the deaths of these nine babies with immediate effect.

Smalle said the DA also acknowledged the intervention of the health MEC, Ishmael Kgetjepe, by establishing a task team to probe the matter.

According to Smalle, it was clear that the incident needed meticulous investigation as there were numerous aspects that needed to be taken into account.

“It is alleged that there are no sanitisers for the mothers to use before and after handling their babies, milk formula, nappies and sanitary towels.

“How can the department allow nurses, especially in the maternity wards, to work without adequate resources and medication for the babies?”

“It is clear that norms and standards are not being adhered to and that the department could be seen as being negligent of their duties to patients and increasing the risk of the professional staff attracting diseases. The DA has also noted that there is a shortage of nurses at this hospital and incubators are also not in good condition,” he said.