Lenmed, the group which owns the Shifa Private Hospital in Durban has launched a probe into the incident that occurred on January 2nd.

The alleged cause of fatalities was an interruption in the oxygen supply.

77 patients were being treated at the hospital at the time.

Michelle Naidoo, the Group marketing manager said the hospital staff had responded instantly.

“they attended to all patients who were receiving supplemental oxygen and ventilation and who were affected by the disruption. Treating physicians were notified by the hospital and arrived to render assistance. During the process, all patients in need of resuscitation received the requisite attention. Regrettably, six patients died.”

The Lenmed Group has notified all relevant authorities while they have launched an investigation into the matter.

“Lenmed has also been in contact with the supplier of the oxygen equipment and infrastructure to determine the exact cause of the interruption,” added Naidoo.

Lenmed CEO Amil Devchand sent condolences to the affected families.

“We have made all our resources available to support them during this painful period. I would like to assure all patients and their families that measures have been instituted in the interim to prevent a reoccurrence of such an incident.”

The company said it was maintaining all necessary staffing and support levels throughout all its facilities that were responsive to the current high demand for health care in the wake of Covid-19.

“It is the unfortunate reality that we are operating in unprecedented and extremely difficult times. The scale and impact of the second wave of Covid-19 infections is significant.

By Naadiya Adams