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Media Advisory: SAHRC to conduct a site inspection of Steve Biko Academic Hospital following allegations of a collapsed oncology ward
ATTENTION: Editors and Reporters
01 June 2018
On 02 May 2018 the South African Human Rights Commission (“the commission”) initiated an investigation at Steve Biko Academic Hospital following a media report alleging that the hospital’s oncology ward was under capacitated and on the verge of collapse.There are allegedly about 934 cancer patients who are awaiting radiation treatment at the hospital and the hospital’s failure to recruit an adequate number of staff and repair the broken down machines has resulted in a backlog in terms of patients awaiting treatment. It is in light of these allegations that the Commission has commenced an own initiative investigation in order to test the veracity of the said allegations.
01 June 2018
On 02 May 2018 the South African Human Rights Commission (“the commission”) initiated an investigation at Steve Biko Academic Hospital following a media report alleging that the hospital’s oncology ward was under capacitated and on the verge of collapse.There are allegedly about 934 cancer patients who are awaiting radiation treatment at the hospital and the hospital’s failure to recruit an adequate number of staff and repair the broken down machines has resulted in a backlog in terms of patients awaiting treatment. It is in light of these allegations that the Commission has commenced an own initiative investigation in order to test the veracity of the said allegations.
The Commission’s Gauteng Provincial office will conduct a site inspection at the hospital on 04 June 2018 in relation to the above allegations and will also meet with acting CEO, Dr Mathabo Mathebula on this date.
The right to access to healthcare services is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution and in light of this the Commission views all related violations in a serious light
The site visit to Steve Biko will take place as follows:
Time: 10h00
Date: 04 June 2018
Venue: Steve Biko Academic Hospital
Ends
For further information contact the Gauteng Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission:
Buang Jones, Provincial Manager, T: 011 877 3752 / C: 078 617 0476; E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Zamakhize Mkhize, T: 011 877 3764 / C: 061 814 7143; E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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The Human Rights Commission is the national institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.
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