Chairperson says deaths of babies in Tembisa Hospital is regrettable and could have been avoided

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, said the deaths of 10 babies from Klebsiella pneumonia in November and December 2019 is a painful occurrence that should never have happened. In total, 17 babies contracted Klebsiella pneumonia.

Dr Dhlomo said the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health should ensure that the Tembisa Hospital, where the incident occurred, should improve its infection prevention and control measures to avoid further infection. “This should be applicable to all hospitals in the province, to prevent any further deaths,” said Dr Dhlomo.

Dr Dhlomo also noted the call by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases to isolate the seven remaining babies at Tembisa Hospital, to reduce the chance of transmission.

“The death of the babies is concerning and the committee will look into it and seek answers from the department,” Dr Dhlomo said.

For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Yoliswa Landu
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8203 
Cell: 081 497 4694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za