Investigation Launched as Newborn Babies Placed in Boxes Instead of Incubators at Mahikeng Hospital

The Department of Health in the North West province is currently investigating a deeply concerning incident at the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital’s neonatal section. Instead of being placed in proper incubators or crib beds, newborn babies were found in boxes, raising serious questions about the quality of care provided at the facility.

Newborn Babies Placed in Boxes at Mahikeng Hospital

MEC Madoda Sambatha expressed shock and dismay upon learning about the incident. In response, he immediately ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to determine the reasons behind this distressing lapse in proper care protocols.Tebogo Lekgethwane, the spokesperson for North West Health, stated that MEC Sambatha has taken swift action to address the situation. Lekgethwane added the department took this matter in a serious light because there were systems and procedures in place, which should have guided the hospital on a solution if there were any challenges of shortage of incubators at the time. Additional cribs have been urgently dispatched to the hospital from a facility with available resources. The hospital’s CEO is actively involved in procuring these cribs, and the department has already initiated the process to acquire additional incubators for the hospital.

Shock and Urgent Investigation

This incident underscores the critical importance of upholding high standards of care in neonatal units. Newborn babies are extremely vulnerable and require specialized equipment, such as incubators, to ensure their health and well-being. The department is committed to rectifying the situation promptly and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.