Netcare Hospital Division has denied claims that Netcare Milpark Hospital turned away an injured Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer allegedly because of a R35m debt owed by the City of Johannesburg.
The group has reaffirmed its commitment to providing critical care to all individuals, including members of the JMPD, and refuted claims that the officer, who was shot on duty, was denied emergency care. It told The Star that on the night of 30 April, a JMPD officer received immediate, lifesaving treatment at Netcare Milpark Hospital.
Last week, TimesLIVE reported that the officer, who was seriously injured when he was shot, had been turned away from emergency treatment at the hospital because the City of Johannesburg owes the facility R35m.
According to Public Safety Committee chairperson Sarah Wissler, the officer was moved to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, where he waited for hours before receiving attention.
She had told TimesLIVE he is now in ICU in critical condition, fighting for his life.
Wissler condemned the City of Johannesburg, saying: “I cannot accept that our officers, our first responders, are being treated as expendable due to the city’s gross financial mismanagement.”
She said she has escalated the matter to the MMC for group corporate and shared services, Loyiso Masuku, demanding immediate payment to the hospital. “No officer should have to bleed alone because the city has failed to pay its bills,” she said.
Officer not turned away
However, Netcare flatly denies the allegations that the officer was not treated.
“Following established global trauma protocols for Priority One patients – those with the most time-sensitive, potentially life-threatening injuries – he underwent comprehensive screening and was stabilised before being transferred to another appropriate facility under the guidance of a leading trauma surgeon,” said Dr Erich Bock, managing director of Netcare’s Hospital Division.
“Our priority … is the well-being of our patients, and we remain fully committed to providing only the highest level of emergency care to every individual. That wholehearted dedication extends to JMPD officers and others who risk their lives to protect our communities.”
Bock added that the officer later underwent a procedure at another facility, where he continues to receive medical attention.
The Star reports that while Netcare acknowledged that payments from the city are outstanding, including fees owed to independent private practitioners working at Milpark and other facilities, emergency services are provided in good faith, and patient care always comes first.
“In many emergency situations, patients are transferred between public and private facilities only after they have been stabilised,” Bock said.
“We rely on fair and timely compensation to ensure the sustainability of our operations and the continued availability of expert medical professionals.”
He added that discussions with the city are ongoing and expressed hope for a swift resolution.
City dismayed
The City of Johannesburg said the shooting occurred during a police pursuit, during which a man had shot the officer twice in the upper body. He was airlifted to Milpark Hospital for emergency care.
However, the city said it was dismayed by the hospital’s refusal to treat him, allegedly due to an outstanding debt.
“The city wishes to clarify and refute these claims… the current outstanding bill for Milpark Hospital stands at R3.9m, with payments being processed and paid weekly,” it said in a statement.
Officials said the city has held multiple meetings with Netcare management to explain its payment process and reiterated its commitment to settling all obligations.
“The conduct of healthcare professionals at the hospital on the day of the incident is deemed unprofessional and unethical,” the city said.
“Such conduct is unacceptable, especially in circumstances involving critically injured emergency personnel.”
It plans to lodge a formal complaint with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, police confirmed that a person believed to be an acquaintance of the suspect was arrested. A gun and ammunition were recovered.
The Star PressReader article – Netcare denies turning away officer shot on duty (Open access)
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