Mfundo’s arm woes persist 2 years after Witbank Hospital operation
Clewer man said, regardless of his operation that was due the next day, he had to allegedly sleep on benches as he was told that the beds were full.
Mfundo Maseko from Clewer is speaking out about his arm condition, which still won’t heal years after his operation at Witbank Tertiary Hospital.
The 34-year-old said his problems started on one unfortunate day in April 2023 when he got involved in a car accident and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
“They attended to me and gave me some medication to numb the pain, but the next day I was transferred to a neighbouring hospital where I would stay until the date of my operation on April 17,” Maseko said.
When the date came, and it was April 16, he said he was returned to Witbank Hospital, where he was met by what he described as the worst service.
“Regardless of my operation that was due the next day, I had to sleep on benches as I was told that the beds were full,” he said, adding that after the successful operation he had, he was relieved to be discharged, believing his arm would soon recover. “After two days, the condition of my hand started worsening, discharging pus, and when I reported to them about it, they told me it was an infection,” Maseko said.
However, despite regular checkups in the hospital that ended in October the same year, after being told to start attending his local clinic, he said his arm still won’t recover as it continues to discharge pus.
“I’ve been buying bandages for the past two years, but there still is no difference,” he added.
Maseko said to date, he still can’t carry heavy stuff, and always has to use his left hand, which also gets tired at times.
On top of that, he said he is no longer able to stretch or straighten his arm beyond the current curve shape.
Due to financial constraints, Maseko said he has not been able to visit other medical practitioners for consultations; however, he continues to hope for his arm to recover.
“My biggest wish is to see my hand recover, even though it might not be the same again; I just wish for it to heal,” he said.
WITBANK NEWS reached out to Chris Nobela from the Mpumalanga Department of Health, who advised that he should return to the hospital for assistance.
On the issue of poor service, Nobela said he would have to wait for the office of the premier to respond to the previously submitted memorandum by the ‘Reclaiming our healthcare dignity’ marchers, citing similar concerns.
Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok
Chat to us: info@witbanknews.co.za
