Image via Adobestock
DA Health Latest: Call for investigation after live maggots found in patient
A KwaZulu-Natal cellulitis patient was allegedly discharged in poor health from hospital with live maggots in her leg wound.
Image via Adobestock
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal has forwarded the case of a Durban woman, found to have live maggots infested in a leg wound, to the province’s Health Ombudsman for investigation.
DA MPL and spokesperson on health Dr Rishigen Viranna said the incident had allegedly taken place recently at Osindisweni Hospital, outside Verulam, after the patient was originally admitted on 27 March.
“This after being admitted with cellulitis and leg wounds as a result of chronic osteoarthritis and swelling,” Viranna said.
He said he was “horrified” by the treatment she had allegedly received at the state hospital.
“Instead of receiving proper treatment and wound care at the facility, by the time she was discharged, her wound was infested with live maggots,” Viranna said.
Viranna said the incident was unfortunately reminiscent of Sadek Ebrahim’s dreadful experience at RK Khan hospital in Chatsworth. In 2019, Mr Ebrahim was found with maggots inside his mouth, allegedly due to lack of care. He subsequently died due to his illness.
“At that stage, there were promises from the MEC and KZN’s Department of Health that patient care would be prioritised. Regrettably, these promises have come to nothing and such incidents continue within our public sector hospitals,” Viranna said.
“It is common knowledge that KZN’s public hospitals are chronically understaffed. This has been cited by the DoH in numerous other instances of poor patient care,” he said.
“MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu and her Department cannot continue to hide behind these excuses. The filling of all healthcare worker posts is essential and the MEC, Premier Sihle Zikalala and the provincial Treasury must fight for extra funds. In the short term, the department must also make use of willing medical volunteers, as per their own policy, to fill the gaps and ensure proper patient care,” Viranna said.
Viranna added that the DA was in the process of arranging its own oversight inspection at Osindisweni Hospital.
“We remain committed to continuing the fight to ensure that all our province’s people receive proper medical treatment in our public hospitals, as enshrined in our Constitution,” he said.
