Key Points:
- Netcare Milpark Hospital denies turning away a shot JMPD officer due to an alleged R35 million debt.
- The City of Johannesburg disputes the debt, clarifying the outstanding amount as R3.9 million.
- The City plans to investigate the incident and lodge a complaint with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Netcare has refuted claims that its Milpark Hospital refused to treat a Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer who was shot while on duty. The allegations suggest that the refusal stemmed from an outstanding R35 million debt owed by the City of Johannesburg.
Allegations of Denial of Care
Public Safety Committee Chair Sarah Wissler claimed that the officer, who was critically injured during a police pursuit, received no emergency care at Milpark Hospital. She alleged that hospital staff transferred the officer to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital after he waited for hours for treatment.
“Last night, one of our JMPD officers was shot while on duty. When taken to Milpark, he was denied emergency care because of a R35 million debt,” Wissler said in a statement.
Netcare’s Response: Immediate Care Given
In response, Netcare emphasized its commitment to provide care to all individuals, including JMPD officers. The hospital confirmed that, on April 30, the officer received immediate, lifesaving care at Milpark Hospital. After the officer was stabilized, staff transferred him to another facility for further treatment under the guidance of a trauma surgeon.
Dr. Erich Bock, managing director of Netcare’s Hospital Division, said, “Our priority is the well-being of our patients. We remain committed to providing high-quality care to everyone, including JMPD officers.”
Dispute Over Debt Amount
The City of Johannesburg disputed the R35 million debt claim. It clarified that Milpark Hospital’s outstanding bill is actually R3.9 million, and payments are being processed weekly. The City criticized the hospital’s actions, calling them “unprofessional” and “unethical,” particularly in the case of critically injured emergency personnel.
“We will lodge a formal complaint with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. We also plan to investigate whether City officials acted negligently,” said the City in a statement.
