Gauteng pays millions in medical negligence costs

Nearly R10m has been paid so far by the Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development in two medical negligence cases.

According to the department spokesperson, Simon Zwane, last week, the department paid out R6.25m in relation to the claim brought by Shabbier Nagel, who had a leg amputated while admitted at Steve Biko Academic Hospital for a heart condition.

A further R3.425m was paid in relation to the costs claimed on behalf of Sibusiso Khanyi, who was born with cerebral palsy at Pholosong Hospital.

Zwane said the South Gauteng High Court had ruled that Khanyi be paid R9.25m and it was agreed that the amount be paid in three instalments. Two more payments will be made in the coming months.

"The department views negligence amongst its staff very seriously. It took disciplinary action against 26 employees in the past two years and this resulted in the dismissal of two doctors and a nurse," he said.