In Conversation With Emma More, ActionSA member of the Health
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The findings stem from investigations conducted by the Health Ombud into separate incidents at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and Netcare Femina Hospital.
These investigations were launched following the deaths of patients under circumstances that raised serious concerns about patient care, safety standards and hospital governance.
The Health Ombud is an independent body responsible for investigating complaints within South Africa’s healthcare system, particularly where there are allegations of malpractice, negligence or systemic failures.
Its reports often highlight gaps in clinical protocols, staff conduct and institutional oversight. In this case, the Ombud’s findings pointed to severe lapses, including failures in patient monitoring, poor adherence to clinical guidelines, and broader systemic issues within healthcare management.
At Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, concerns were also raised about infrastructure, including the safety of psychiatric wards and the adequacy of equipment such as fire-resistant materials.
At Netcare Femina Hospital, the investigation focused on clinical decision-making and adherence to proper medical procedures. The issue has drawn political attention, with ActionSA calling for accountability from the Gauteng Department of Health.
The party is using legislative mechanisms within the provincial legislature to push for oversight, transparency and the implementation of the Ombud’s recommendations.
These developments come amid ongoing challenges in South Africa’s healthcare system, including resource constraints, staff shortages, infrastructure backlogs and concerns about governance.
The case highlights the critical importance of enforcing healthcare standards and ensuring that both public and private institutions are held accountable for patient safety.
These investigations were launched following the deaths of patients under circumstances that raised serious concerns about patient care, safety standards and hospital governance.
The Health Ombud is an independent body responsible for investigating complaints within South Africa’s healthcare system, particularly where there are allegations of malpractice, negligence or systemic failures.
Its reports often highlight gaps in clinical protocols, staff conduct and institutional oversight. In this case, the Ombud’s findings pointed to severe lapses, including failures in patient monitoring, poor adherence to clinical guidelines, and broader systemic issues within healthcare management.
At Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, concerns were also raised about infrastructure, including the safety of psychiatric wards and the adequacy of equipment such as fire-resistant materials.
At Netcare Femina Hospital, the investigation focused on clinical decision-making and adherence to proper medical procedures. The issue has drawn political attention, with ActionSA calling for accountability from the Gauteng Department of Health.
The party is using legislative mechanisms within the provincial legislature to push for oversight, transparency and the implementation of the Ombud’s recommendations.
These developments come amid ongoing challenges in South Africa’s healthcare system, including resource constraints, staff shortages, infrastructure backlogs and concerns about governance.
The case highlights the critical importance of enforcing healthcare standards and ensuring that both public and private institutions are held accountable for patient safety.
