Johannesburg – Medical negligence payments in Gauteng have shot up by 36% – a whopping R174 million more than last year – the Democratic Alliance (DA) has revealed.
Commenting on the anomaly on Tuesday, (8 October 2024), DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom said: “The Democratic Alliance is most concerned by the jump in medical negligence payouts in Gauteng, rising to R696 million last year from R512 million in 2022”.
Bloom added: “This is according to figures given to Parliament by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi.
“Whereas most other provinces showed a decrease in medical negligence payments, Gauteng’s have gone up by 36% – an extra R174 million.”
Bloom said in sharp contrast, the payouts in DA-run Western Cape have dropped 27% to R120 million.
“This highlights the ongoing failure of the Gauteng Health Department to improve medical care, as reflected in the 7 117 Serious Adverse Events recorded last year in Gauteng public hospitals,” said Bloom.
“The DA will continue to push for adequate resources and real accountability in hospitals to provide quality health care that avoids patient harm.”
