18 December 2007
Eastern Cape authorities are searching for TB patients who escaped from the
Jose Pearson Hospital in the Nelson Mandela municipality. The Eastern Cape
Department of Health said on Friday that it was believed that 29 multi drug
resistant (MDR) and 20 extreme drug resistant (XDR) tuberculosis patients cut
through three of the hospital's perimeter fences to make their escape. "We
believe that small groups began leaving on Wednesday and continued yesterday,"
said spokesperson Siyanda Manana.
It is believed that testing, conducted earlier in the week to determine who
could and could not go home, may have sparked discontent among patients. "We
did, however, tell patients that those who tested positive and could not go
home, would have their families brought to the hospital, at the department's
expense," said Manana adding that a Christmas party had been organised for the
patients who remained in the hospital over the festive season.
"There are precautionary measures that need to be taken when these patients
interact with their families, so as not to spread the disease," said Manana.
"We cannot know for sure that these precautions would be taken without the
necessary supervision." The hospital has been in contact with the patients'
families, asking them to return their sick loved ones to the hospital.
"At the moment, we are asking for the families' co-operation. If they are
not returned, we will then have to have court orders issued, forcing them to
return to hospital," said Manana.
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
18 December 2007
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecdoh.gov.za)
