A patient lost his life at the entrance of the Northam Clinic in Limpopo. The incident unfolded around 03:00 on Saturday when the family of the ailing man sought urgent medical attention for him.
According to the Limpopo Department of Health, the patient was in a critical condition, bleeding from all his bodily orifices.
The security guard on duty allegedly denied them access, citing load shedding as the reason for the clinic’s closure. The guard reportedly directed the family to contact emergency medical services.
At the time the ambulance arrived the patient had succumbed to his condition. The Limpopo Department of Health has launched an investigation into the distressing episode.
MEC Dr. Phophi Ramathuba stated that the department is awaiting a comprehensive report on the sequence of events.
“Denying access to healthcare services contradicts our commitment to upholding basic human rights. We reiterate our plea to security guards to adhere to their duties and refrain from triaging patients, a responsibility outside their expertise. Our heartfelt condolences go to the family of the deceased,” said MEC Dr. Phophi Ramathuba.
Nurses on duty were reportedly only made aware of the situation after the patient had already passed away.