The MEC for Health in the North West Province, Dr Magome Masike is shocked at the level of desperation displayed by the Democratic Alliance in the Province after the party issued a statement on the13th of October 2015 claiming to have visited a woman who is “paralyzed after delivering own baby”, allegedly because of ill-treatment by the Department.
The story worried the MEC such that he decided to visit the woman, see her situation himself and assess her. To his shock, the MEC found the woman walking normally with both her feet contrary to DA allegations that she was paralysed.
The patient was found at home with her mother. The department can now confirm that the patient is neither paralyzed nor bedridden as she came out of the bedroom walking and carrying her baby.
Due to lack of understanding of medical procedures and health expertise, the DA spokesperson missed the point in this case thus making unfounded allegations. He failed to understand that the patient underwent a Cesarean section where epidural (spinal) anaesthesia was used. This was done to avoid patient being put to sleep completely. The normal post operations result of this nature is numbness which the DA confused with paralysis.
The department urges members of communities not to make conclusions about health conditions of patients when they are not experts in the area.
In view of the misleading and malicious story being spread by the DA, the Department would like to bring the following history of our interaction with the patient forward based on facts;
- The patient in question is a 32 year old female who was seen at Klerksdorp Hospital on the 11th September 2015 as a referral from Nic Bodenstein Hospital with the history of complex pregnancy and labour problems.
- Based on the referral notes, an elective caesarean section operation was planned, as a result of her two previous caesarean sections’ adhesions (tissues scars with organs adhering to each other).
- On the 8th September 2015 she was admitted to Nic Bodenstein Hospital in Wolmaranstadt and a caesarean section performed on the 11th September 2015.
- During the procedure, the Nic Bodenstein surgeon noted multiple adhesions, and then found the two uterine parts whose identity he could not figure out by then.
- The surgeon then phoned the obstetrics specialist for advice and assistance. The obstetrics specialist advised the surgeon to transfer the patient to Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital specialised maternity Unit for specialised management. Reasons for the transfer were explained to the patient.
- The incision was properly closed and the patient was referred in a stable condition.
- The patient was seen at Klerksdorp by the obstetrician around 19h00 on the 11th September 2015. She was immediately prepared and operated the same night after being reported to be in labour.
- The caesarean section was performed and the baby was delivered through the same incision at Klerksdorp Hospital. This was to avoid multiple incisions which might compromise the health of the mother due to multiple caesarean sections previously performed.
- As far as the department is concerned the operation was successful and a healthy baby boy was delivered. The patient was discharged with treatment and referred back to Nic Bodenstein hospital on the 15th September 2015 in a stable condition without complaints where she was observed until discharge still in stable condition.
“I am disturbed at how low the DA in the province is willing to go in attempt to discredit the good work we are doing to render health services to the people. This is not the first time that the DA makes false claims about health service delivery in the province. We can only conclude that they are desperate in their electioneering antics”, said MEC Masike.
After assessing the patient, the MEC assured himself that the necessary care was provided in ensuring both her safety and that of her baby at the time of delivery despite her critical condition and pregnancy complications at the time.
“Both the mother and the baby are in good condition. I also assessed her post operation wound to establish if it was healing and found that it is healing”, said MEC Masike.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
