Netcare Milpark Hospital and JMPD at loggerheads over officer’s treatment
COJ sticks to its guns that Milpark Hospital refused to provide healthcare to JMPD officer.
Netcare reaffirmed its dedication to providing critical care to all individuals in need and refuted claims that it turned away a wounded JMPD officer.
This comes after Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Michael Sun, alleged on Facebook that Milpark Hospital denied the JMPD officer critical care due to the City of Johannesburg’s failure to settle a staggering R35m debt.
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However, Netcare confirmed that on the night of April 30, the JMPD officer had received immediate, lifesaving treatment at 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,” a statement from Netcare read.
The City of Johannesburg stuck to its guns in a media statement and expressed its dismay that the hospital refused to provide necessary medical care to the officer. The city also denied it owed Netcare R35m as indicated in Sun’s post.
“The city wishes to clarify and refute these claims, stating that the current outstanding bill for Milpark Hospital stands at R3.9 million, with payments being processed and paid weekly. The city has engaged in multiple discussions with Milpark Hospital management to explain the payment processes and reassure that the city remains committed to settling its obligations,” read the statement.
Also read: Netcare hospitals assist shot officer with her recovery journey
The statement further added that the city would lodge a formal complaint with the Health Professions Council of South Africa regarding the conduct observed during the incident.
At loggerheads
Dr Erich Bock, the managing director of Netcare’s Hospital Division explained that the hospital’s priority was the well-being of its patients, and remained fully committed to providing only the highest level of emergency care to every individual who came through their doors.
“This extends to the members of the JMPD and others who risk their lives to protect our communities,” said Bock.
“We are doing everything in our power to support our patient and will continue to closely monitor his progress and care while providing full support to him, his family, loved ones, and colleagues during this challenging time,” noted Bock.
Netcare acknowledged that, unfortunately, outstanding payments were owed to the organisation by JMPD, including payments to the independent private practitioners who practise at Netcare Milpark Hospital and other healthcare facilities.
“In many emergency situations, patients are transferred either from private to public facilities, or from public to private, but only after their condition has been stabilised. We rely on fair and timely compensation to ensure the sustainability of our operations and the continued availability of expert medical professionals.”
Milpark continues to actively engage in ongoing discussions with the City of Johannesburg and is hopeful that a swift and equitable resolution will soon be found.
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