Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2 min read
29 December 2022 | 7:22 pm CAT

The Gauteng Department of Health expressed concerns about patients being put in danger by criminals as another alleged act of sabotage shut down operations at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and sparked suspicions that it was an inside job.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, the Departmental Spokesperson of the National Health Department, Foster Mohale, said tantamount to attempted murder sabotage cannot be ruled out and is condemned.

“We are very concerned about the actions and intentions of those who have conducted criminal activities. We are working with law enforcement agencies to ensure those who have participated in murderers actions must be brought to book,” he added.

According to Mohale, the incident occurred in a secure area with limited access to officials hence the suspicions of an inside job.

Affected parts of the hospital include oxygen supply from the main point into different critical units, like the ICU, where oxygen is in dire need compared to other wards within the hospital.

At least 24 patients were affected by the incident. Patients were quickly evacuated to ensure that no lives were lost or their conditions deteriorated due to the incident.

Mohale praised the healthcare workers’ efforts to detect an issue and alert authorities, who responded quickly to save patients’ lives in the affected wards.

Listen to the interview with Annisa Essack and the Departmental Spokesperson of the National Health Department, Foster Mohale, on Radio Islam’s podcast.