Gauteng Department of Health is investigating an alleged incident of xenophobic comments that were made by one of staff members to Theresa Ngwedu at Mamelodi Hospital.
Spokesperson Kwara Kekana said the department condemn all forms of racism and discrimination including xenophobia. He added that they are aware of the reports and wishes to assure stakeholders that, the matter is being investigated.
“The allegations are being taken into consideration; the hospital has been contacted as well as the family and were offered psychological support. After learning about the incident, Tshwane District Health Management appointed a clinical specialist, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist to investigate the incident. The South African Bill of Rights states that access to healthcare is a basic human right and however, nobody should be denied access to healthcare in any of our facilities. This should not happen irrespective of nationality, race and class of gender,” said Kekana.
According to the reports, the case has been opened with South African Police Services, in Mamelodi East.
“The Department is prepared to cooperate with relevant authorities in order to find the truth and act appropriately”, he added.
