Health Department Investigates Zola Clinic following baby’s death
The health department is determined to uncover the truth after a baby died days after a traumatic birth.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDH) has confirmed that it is investigating allegations of medical negligence at the Zola Community Health Centre (ZCHC) following the death of a newborn.
Phumla Gubudela (27), a resident of Zola One, previously informed Urban News that she had to give birth on the clinic floor on September 13 because a nurse allegedly refused to assist her promptly.
The baby was transferred to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital for medical care and was discharged three days later after doctors reported that scans showed no visible injuries.
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However, tragedy struck on September 22 when the baby became unresponsive at home. Gubudela rushed her to Bheki Mlangeni District Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival. A post-mortem examination later revealed that the cause of death was head trauma and related complications.
In a statement, the GDH confirmed that the baby was born at the ZCHC before being transferred to Baragwanath for medical treatment.
The department stated that Gubudela reported the incident to the clinic on October 8, claiming she was forced to deliver her baby on the floor.
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“The department takes such allegations seriously and has instituted a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the delivery and the subsequent death of the infant,” the statement read.
Officials noted that it would be premature to speculate on the cause of death, as both a comprehensive clinical review and a formal forensic investigation are still underway.
Meanwhile, Gubudela has been offered counselling services to help her cope with the loss of her child.
