LIMPOPO – The surviving formerly conjoined twin from Phalaborwa has been airlifted to Steve Biko Central and Academic Hospital in Pretoria following the death of their sibling on Good Friday.

The baby, known as Twin B, was transferred on Saturday, April 4, after a multidisciplinary clinical team meeting involving Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

According to the provincial government, the decision to move the baby was made as a precautionary measure.

“While the loss of Twin A has affected everyone, team Mankweng Hospital has been understandably deeply affected, hence it was critical to allow another team in a different and protected environment to continue with care,” the government said in a statement.

The conjoined twins were successfully separated at Mankweng Hospital on March 17, following their birth on January 28. The highly complex procedure and the care of the twins since birth were managed by a multidisciplinary team led by Professor Nyaweleni Tshifularo.

Premier raises concerns about visitors sneaking in

In an interview with eNCA, Premier Ramathuba suggested that the death of Twin A may have been caused by people sneaking in to visit them.

“While in an isolated ICU, we don’t know what could have happened. During that time, some people will be sneaking in and out, you don’t know,” she said.

“We don’t allow anyone to see the babies, except the attending clinicians. And unfortunately, sometimes the family want to come in, you don’t know.”

Government pledges ongoing support

The provincial government said it remains in close contact with both the medical team and the family and will continue to provide support during this difficult time.