A BackaBuddy campaign has already raised more than R700 000 for hospital bills for a little boy badly burned after falling into a bath of boiling hot water – but Gauteng Health has rejected claims that the family is being invoiced for his care at a public hospital, saying that because he is under six years old, treatment is free, reports IOL.
The campaign says the family of three-year-old Peyton Wahl is facing medical costs of about R698 030 – this after the toddler, from Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni, fell into the bath filled with hot water late in August.
According to Jacaranda FM, he suffered extensive second- and third-degree burns over 21% of his body, and was taken to the nearest private facility – Arwyp Medical Centre – for emergency treatment.
But without medical aid and facing costs that were simply beyond the family’s financial means, he was later transferred to a state hospital in Pretoria, where he has since stabilised, although his recovery has been complicated by an infection and fever.
His family continues to provide the pain medication he needs with the help of donations.
The crowdfunding campaign launched on BackaBuddy says their medical expenses initially stood at about R200 000, but the estimated costs later increased to R698 030.
The campaign, with a target of R698 030, has so far raised R709 041, including R247 200 in offline donations, and says Peyton is facing a lengthy hospital stay and recovery because of the extent of his injuries and subsequent complications.
“Unfortunately, he has now developed an infection and a fever, adding another serious challenge to his recovery. His little body is fighting so hard, and it is heartbreaking to know how much pain he is experiencing,” the campaign states.
“With the extent of his injuries, the infection and complications he is facing, as well as the lengthy hospital treatment and recovery ahead, these costs may continue to increase.”
The family is appealing for financial assistance to help with the ongoing medical bills, specialised burn care, and transportation expenses as Peyton continues his treatment.
Department disputes costs
The department, meanwhile, has disputed reports about any medical bills that might be owed to the hospital, and the toddler’s classification as a patient.
Spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmind that Peyton is currently receiving treatment at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, but the department “wishes to clarify that the reports regarding the patient’s classification and alleged medical bill are incorrect”.
Mabona said Peyton was classified under the hospital group (HG) category. “Accordingly, children under six are exempted from payment for hospital services, subject to the applicable provisions and regulations,” Mabona said. He added that the family was therefore not liable for the medical bill.
The hospital had neither initiated nor requested any public fundraising campaign to cover the boy’s medical treatment, he added.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Health MEC to pay woman R4.4m after hot-water burn
New Wits burns unit opens at Bara