EC Health Dept to cough R3 billion due to negligence

Mbasa Gqokoma

30 June 2016

The Mthatha Hospital Complex is being sued for more than R3-billion in medical negligence cases.

In the year from last April to this March, more than 60 cases have been filed against Mthatha Regional, Nelson Mandela Central and Bedford Orthopaedic hospitals.

Complaints include brain damage, epilepsy, paralysis, lost vision and cuts on a baby’s face.

Eastern Cape Daily Dispatch reported earlier this month that the Eastern Cape health department had already paid out close to R12-billion in negligence claims between April 2004 and March 31 this year – an average of R1-billion a year.

The latest litigation statistics reveal that most of the claims are for R15-million to R20-million.

The highest amount is R32-million.