The investigation was initiated in response to a report by the Health Ombudsman, which outlined alarming failures in the healthcare system at the two public institutions. Among the most serious issues uncovered were prolonged power outages, reportedly due to cable theft and vandalism, which left patients exposed to freezing temperatures.
The Commission found that several patients had developed severe hypothermia, with some deaths potentially linked to the extreme cold. These conditions were exacerbated by chronic staff shortages and ongoing mismanagement.
According to SAHRC Northern Cape Provincial Manager Uzair Adams, the facilities were operating far below capacity.
“The hospital was running at only 53% of its available bed capacity. Out of 287 beds, just 153 were in use,” he explained. “We also noted significant structural decay, broken ceilings, crumbling walls and neglected surroundings that raise serious safety concerns. The power supply issues only deepened the crisis.”
The SAHRC says further investigations are under way, and it intends to push for urgent corrective measures to ensure the rights and dignity of patients are protected.
–ChannelAfrica–
