Latest news with #KwaZulu-NatalDepartmentofHealth
IOL News
18 hours ago
- Health
- IOL News
Final touches: RK Khan Hospital renovations nearing completion
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, acting department Head Penny Msimango, the health infrastructure unit, and the contractor recently conducted a Siyahlola oversight visit at RK Khan Hospital. Image: KZN Department of Health Renovations at RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth are 99% completed. This was revealed during a recent oversight visit to the facility by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. Modernisation efforts will align the 56-year-old hospital with current medical infrastructure requirements. KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, acting department Head Penny Msimango, the health infrastructure unit, and the contractor conducted a Siyahlola oversight visit at the hospital. According to the department, the hospital is undergoing a R59 million re-waterproofing and internal renovations at Blocks D and E, and the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD). The state-of-the-art renovations aimed at modernising the facility and integrating new medical technology and infrastructure include not only the waterproofing of roof slabs, but also the complete redesign of wards D and E following Infrastructure Unit Support System (IUSS) guidelines. The project also involves the removal of existing fittings, fixtures, and outdated electrical, mechanical, and extraction systems, and raising all internal partitions in the bed wards to a height of 2.1 metres. The redesigned CSSD will now fully follow IUSS accommodation design standards. Simelane expressed satisfaction with the progress, although there were concerns about delays and the missed completion deadline. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane (green and white outfit), acting department Head Penny Msimango, the health infrastructure unit, and the contractor recently conducted a Siyahlola oversight visit at RK Khan Hospital. Image: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health Meanwhile, last month, KZN Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer inspected the hospital. During a briefing session, it emerged that what seemed like a roof repair undertaking that was meant to last five months ended up being an extended project as assessments showed that the walls and other structural aspects were severely compromised.
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Inkosi Albert Luthuli: A victim of racial segregation in South African healthcare
A reopened inquest into Inkosi Albert Luthuli's death on July 21, 1967 is being held at the Pietermaritzburg High Court. Image: Independent Media Archives Had he not been a black person, the critically injured Inkosi Albert Luthuli would have been given better treatment and his life would possibly have been saved at the racially divided Stanger Provincial Hospital, Dr Sibusiso Johannes Nsele said on Thursday. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health's senior forensic pathologist was continuing to give evidence at the reopened inquest into the cause of Luthuli's death held at the Pietermaritzburg High Court. He said that in the years of Luthuli's life and after his death, the hospital, like all government institutions in the country, applied policies of racial segregation. Responding to a question from evidence leader Advocate Ncedile Dunywa from the National Prosecuting Authority that Luthuli, who was partly unconscious on arrival at the hospital, should have been given better medical care than what he was offered, Nsele said, 'Yes, that is correct'. Luthuli died at Stanger Provincial Hospital a few hours after he was found semi-conscious on the morning of July 21, 1967, on the railway bridge of the Mvoti River in Groutville, Stanger. The findings of an initial inquiry held the same year Luthuli died, stated that Luthuli was involved in a fatal goods steam train accident. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ However, several witnesses, including experts in various fields, who testified at the current inquest, have rejected the claim, saying Luthuli's injuries indicated that he was assaulted before being placed on the bridge. Nsele said during the apartheid system, the hospital was divided into two sections - one 'which was for a particular race (white) and the other sections, which also belonged to different race groups (Africans, Coloureds and Indians)'. He painted a scenario of the medical team at the hospital that neglected their duties of giving Luthuli urgent attention, even after they had realised the severity of his injuries. An ambulance brought Luthuli to the hospital at 11.45 am, where he was immediately attended to by senior medical superintendent Dr Gwendoline Mary Gregarsan, who was not a specialist in the field of neurosurgery. Luthuli was only attended to by neurosurgeon Dr Mauritus J. Joubert at 2.20 pm, which was five minutes before he passed away at 2.25 pm. 'When one looked at the time at which Inkosi (Luthuli) was admitted, from the records, Dr Gregarsan immediately attended to Inkosi, the description from the records were that there were many injuries around the head, and she further made an observation that there was a scalp fracture. 'That alone would have guided her to realise that immediate care at a specialist level was required. 'The expectation would have been that the neurosurgeon, Dr Joubert, would have been consulted much earlier, soon after Dr Gregarsan had assessed the patient,' he said. When Dunywa asked him if that meant that Luthuli's life would have been saved had it not been for the effect of the apartheid government's racial segregation, Nsele said he was aware that state resources in various spheres, including in the health sector, were not dispersed equally (among racial groups). 'The funding with regard to services and resources that would be given to the African or black communities was inferior to that given to the European or white communities,' said Nsele. On Thursday, Nsele said Luthuli's condition required that he be transferred to the better-equipped King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban. Both hospitals are 83,4 km and an hour away from each other. 'Stanger Provincial Hospital was not, and even as we speak today, suited to manage patients who need neurosurgeons,' he said. Nsele said Dr Gregarsan was, according to the records, aware that Luthuli's conditions needed to be handled by a neurosurgeon, which was not available at Stanger Hospital. 'The injuries he had sustained warranted that he receive specialised care. 'But Chief Albert Luthuli was nevertheless made to remain at Stanger Provincial Hospital,' Dunywa said. Nsele concurred with Dunywa's observation that at Stanger Hospital, Luthuli was not given proper care while he was alive and even after he had died, as the medical practitioners did not do due diligence in handling him. Nsele said that Dr Jakobus Johannes van Zyle, who was junior doctor at the time, had 90 minutes after declaring Luthuli dead, hurriedly produced a postmortem report, which was substandard.
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Are foreign nationals being prioritised at RK Khan Hospital? KZN Health department sets record straight
RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth. Picture by Zanele Zulu African News Agency (ANA) Archives KwaZulu-Natal health department debunks false claims about RK Khan Hospital. Image: Zanele Zulu African News Agency (ANA) Archives The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health on Wednesday addressed and rectified reportedly false and misleading comments appearing on social media about the allotment of bed space at RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth, eThekwini District. The department cited recent social media posts that have claimed that the hospital prioritises foreign nationals over South Africans, notably in the prenatal unit. According to one post, 10 foreign nationals were 'hogging' beds, preventing 'scores of pregnant South African women from receiving care. "We strongly refute these allegations. Following these reports, the department conducted an immediate assessment of the situation at the hospital. "The findings clearly indicate that of the 40 patients admitted to the antenatal ward, only four were foreign nationals. Furthermore, all patients were accommodated in beds, and there was no shortage of space in the ward at the time of inspection," said the department. The department further stated that it understands that their health facilities serve a varied community, and that foreign nationals occasionally use the services. "However, we definitely clarify that patients are accepted based on medical need rather than nationality. The Constitution and related health regulations require us to offer treatment to all persons who arrive at our institutions, regardless of their origin. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ "While we acknowledge the strain that increased patient numbers place on our already limited resources, we are committed to upholding the principles of fairness, dignity, and non-discrimination in all our healthcare facilities. "The notion that South Africans are being denied care in favour of foreign nationals is not only untrue but dangerously misleading." It requested the public to be cautious about spreading disinformation and to double-check facts before sharing social media messages that may cause undue fear, divisiveness, or xenophobia. The Department is dedicated to openness and service delivery, and we urge anybody with complaints to contact us immediately via our proper methods. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
14-05-2025
- IOL News
Inkosi Albert Luthuli's death: A forensic pathologist critiques the post-mortem findings
Inkosi Albert Luthuli's death on July 21, 1967, remains a mystery. Image: Independent Media Archives DESPITE being an internationally acclaimed statesman, Inkosi Albert Luthuli was treated like a commoner in his death, with his post-mortem being conducted hurriedly by a doctor who was inexperienced in conducting a forensic examination and who produced a substandard death report. This was revealed by senior KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health's Dr Sibusiso Johannes Nsele, who reviewed the 1967 post-mortem report, which was conducted by Dr Jakobus Johannes van Zyle. Nsele, who introduced himself as a 'very senior' forensic pathologist in the province with 18 years in the medical health sector, said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) instructed him on December 15, 2020, to help with the evaluation of Luthuli's post-mortem report compiled in 1967. Luthuli died at Stander Provincial Hospital a few hours after being allegedly hit by a goods steam train on the morning of July 21, 1967, at Mvoti River in Groutville, Stanger. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The outcome of Nsele's review highlighted a lack of professionalism in the work done by three doctors who dealt with Luthuli before and after his death. 'We found a paucity of details on the post-mortem report, injuries were documented only under the heading of chief post-mortem findings, and there was no mention elsewhere in the body of the post-mortem report,' he said. He said the conclusion of Luthuli's death was cerebral haemorrhage and brain injuries. He said, according to medical reports, the post-mortem was conducted and concluded approximately 90 minutes after Luthuli was declared dead, and it lacked mention of the possible cause of the injuries. He said there was also no reconstruction of the scene of the accident. 'The interpretation of injuries, as indicated in the post-mortem report, did not resonate with injuries that should have been expected in a railway train/pedestrian collision,' he said. He said he found it odd that the train accident was compiled by Van Zyle on July 21, 1967, the same day Luthuli was declared dead, after conducting an autopsy on his body. Van Zyle attended to Luthuli at the emergency room soon after he had died. He said van Zyle had recorded head, hands, and body injuries on Luthuli's body and concluded that the cause of death was the head and brain injuries. 'The further shortcomings evident on the post-mortem report have been noted (such as) the injuries were grouped without providing specific and distinctive details, such as wound measurements. 'It is not known how many and how big the scalp lacerations were, but they were only described as multiple,' he said. He said that although Luthuli had sustained injuries on the hand and chest, such information was not sufficiently detailed. 'Depiction of injuries on the diagram was absent (whereas) the presentation of injuries assists in properly illustrating the observations made during the post-mortem examination. 'No specimens were collected for further examination (and) the post-mortem was performed approximately 90 minutes after Mr Luthuli was declared deceased, while the body was still warm,' he said. Nsele said it appeared that the post-mortem was hurried, 'given the status of Mr Luthuli in the society'. 'At the time of his demise, he was a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in the field of human rights. 'This alone gave Mr Luthuli an international reputation within the society, and he was the ANC president-general and a traditional leader. 'There seemed to have been no cultural and religious reasons to necessitate the examination as soon after demise,' he said. Nsele said it was inappropriate that Luthuli's body was not examined by a specialist forensic pathologist or 'at least a better competent district surgeon'. 'Since Dr van Zyle was not a specialist pathologist who was an appropriate one to conduct such an examination, given the extensive knowledge which was required. 'The need for a specialist in this matter at a time cannot be overemphasised, given the deficiency in the report compiled by Dr JJ van Zyle,' he said. Nsele also picked up some discrepancies in the sworn statements presented by two other doctors who examined the body and gave reports, which contradicted each other, but they all concluded that Luthuli died from head and brain injuries. He told the court that there was also no evidence that Luthuli had been hit by the train, as there was no sign that he was dragged on the railway line, or his clothes, which did not have blood stains, were torn apart. He said there were also no signs that Luthuli was thrown a distance away as a result of the train's impact. He said the fact that the X-ray revealed that Luthuli only sustained a single rib fracture on the chest meant that he was not hit by the train. 'One has considered the possibility that Mr Luthuli had been hit by the train, but it was difficult to reconcile with such context as presented by the nature and position of the injuries 'Generally, a person hit by a train would have multiple fractures in different positions. 'In addition, a person hit by the train would sustain abrasions, bruises, and/or lacerations,' said Nsele. The inquest continues.
IOL News
07-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
KZN health department owes suppliers over R1. 7bn, raising concerns for small businesses
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health faces significant scrutiny due to a substantial R1.7 billion debt owed to suppliers. Image: File The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is embroiled in controversy for owing suppliers a staggering R1.7 billion - a situation that is reportedly affecting service delivery in the province. In a written response to a question by the DA's Tim Brauteseth regarding outstanding payments, KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane disclosed that the department's total debts to suppliers stand at R1 740 624 847.03. A table illustrating amounts owned by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health to suppliers. Image: Thobeka Ngema 'The department endeavours to pay all suppliers and service providers within 30 days; however, the cash flow challenges that are facing the KZN Department of Health hinders that,' Simelane said and that the amount will be settled during the first quarter of the next financial year. Simelane added that an amount of R1.7 billion will form part of accruals. These payments could not be paid in the previous financial year because of the department's financial challenges. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ DA KZN spokesperson on health, Dr Imran Keeka, said the party is concerned that KZN businesses are owed an estimated R1.7 billion by the provincial Department of Health (DoH). Keeka said the reply also indicates that of this, R1.33 billion falls within the 60 to 90-day payment period. Meanwhile, there are 1 519 unpaid invoices in the over 90-day period, amounting to just over R71 million. He said it is understandable that these precise figures would have undoubtedly fluctuated, given that such finances always remain fluid. During portfolio committee meetings, Simelane consistently and openly discussed her department's financial difficulties, according to Keeka's observation. 'However, such a situation – the non-payment of suppliers on time - should not have arisen in the first place or to the point where they are affecting services,' Keeka said. 'The concern arising out of the parliamentary reply is that it's very possible that small and medium-sized companies in KZN are worst affected. Equally concerning is that the MEC and acting HOD intimated, during the same meetings, that some service providers, while paid, had not paid their staff. This had led to protest action in some instances implicating the DoH. However, what happens within companies once the DoH has concluded its business with them is beyond its control.' Keeka said the party notes the department has adopted a 'take from Peter to pay Paul' approach to resolve some of the payment issues. This seems to have left some companies struggling more than others. Again, it particularly affects small businesses. Regrettably, this resulted in several suppliers gathering at the department's Pietermaritzburg head office on Monday, demanding payment. 'The response from MEC Simelane confirms that the outstanding amounts due to suppliers will be paid during the first quarter of the new financial year, which began on April 1,' Keeka said. He said the Division of Revenue Bill or the budget, as presented by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on March 12, has been withdrawn, with provinces set to table their budgets within two weeks of May 21. Once KZN's budget is tabled and certainty exists, it is expected that the situation may turn around.
