The Bongani Hospital in Welkom has recorded a total of 157 infant deaths. The National Department of Health said in a written response to a question tabled in Parliament, that there have been 135 newborn deaths and 22 neonatal infant deaths since January. The highest number of deaths - 361 - were recorded at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Gauteng. 

The Bongani Hospital was under investigation by the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) in 2015 for the death of five babies that rocked the already crippled health services in the Free State.

The latest statistics include the number of deaths at two other Free State hospitals which include the Pelonomi- and Universitas Hospitals in Bloemfontein. A total of 92 newborns and 17 neonatal deaths were registered at Pelonomi, while 69 newborn deaths and 11 neonatal infant deaths occurred at Universitas Hospital. The health fraternity is meanwhile still awaiting a report by the Health Ombudsman, Malegapuru Makgoba. The probable cause of death was indicated as Klebsiella, but this was denied by Free State Health. 

The National Health Department said in its response that infant deaths can be defined as deaths occurring during the first year of a baby’s life, while newborn deaths occur during the newborn baby’s first 28 days. Post-neonatal deaths occur between 29 days and one year of age.

The Bongani Hospital investigation was moved to the priority list of Makgoba’s office just days after his appointment. The other hospital on the list for the highest number of baby deaths – Universitas - is also under investigation by  Makgoba. He was tasked to look into why the academic hospital has dropped to the last position on the list of 10 academic hospitals in the country around the same time.

READ MORE: Report on Bongani Hospital might be out soon

OFM News/Blaine Jones