Concerns over rising Covid-19 infections at private hospitals
Seventy-three per cent of infected patients are being treated at private hospitals, while only 22% are being treated at public facilities
THE health portfolio committee in the KZN Legislature is greatly concerned about the rising numbers of Covid-19 infections in private hospitals.
Seventy-three per cent of infected patients are being treated at private hospitals, while only 22% are being treated at public facilities.
ALSO READ: Stats SA launches Covid-19 impact survey
Chairperson of the provincial health portfolio, Nomakiki Majola, said the rise and spread of infections at private facilities indicated that they were not complying with the Communicable Disease Act.
‘This happens at a time when public sector institutions are hard at work to ensure that the virus is contained at all costs. Dedicated teams of health care workers are working in the communities educating, screening and testing citizens to ensure early detection and prevention of the further spread of the virus,’ Majola said.
‘The committee has observed the rising infection rate in the private sector.
‘When we look at the measures and management of infection control, we have to ask if private hospitals are cautious enough considering the high number of health care workers becoming infected, even to the extent of some institutions having to close down.’
So far 108 health care workers have been infected with the Covid-19 virus.
Majola added a private-public sector committee was a necessity.
‘As the public sector, we know what our plans are in dealing with Covid-19 through our command structure led by the Minister of Health, but we know very little of the private sector’s strategies.’
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
