The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has laid a criminal charge of culpable homicide against the nurses and a charge of criminal negligence against the Limpopo Department of Health at Musina Police station. This follows the death of a baby that was delivered outside Madimbo Clinic. view pictures here, here and here
It is alleged by the parents of the deceased baby along with eye witnesses at the clinic on that morning, that the death came about as a result of the baby having dropped onto the ground during the birth.
This comes after a woman arrived at the clinic which is meant to be a 24-hour clinic, during the early hours of the morning. She was denied entry by the security guard and no assistance was forthcoming from anyone in the clinic.
The woman eventually gave birth outside the gate, while waiting for the clinic to open, apparently only at 07:00. The nurse indicated all was well when they were eventually attended to, and were transferred to Donald Fraser Hospital, where the baby passed on.
The DA has laid the charge against the nurse and the department as we are determined to ensure a transparent investigation and accountability for the uncaring manner in which the mother was treated. There should have never been a scenario in which a pregnant mother is denied entry, and a baby is born outside the gates of a clinic that is meant to be operational.
We send our heartfelt condolences to the young parents of the deceased baby as well as the entire family, and hope that this case helps them receive some answers and closure over this ordeal.
The DA believes that good quality healthcare in rural areas needs to be prioritised to ensure rural communities of their dignity and access to healthcare.