Gauteng Heath MEC Qedani Mahlangu has this morning (Sunday) arrived at the scene of the fire to assess the damage.
She confirmed that the blaze, which started at about 9pm last night, destroyed consumables, cleaning material, stationery, surgical supplies including bandages, disposable gloves, and other equipment.
Mahlangu said the supplies alone will cost an estimated R7 million to replace, adding that the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Firefighters managed to contain the fire before it could spread to other buildings of the hospital.
Mahlangu said a preliminary investigation shows that the fire may have been caused by an oil heater, but that has not been conclusively confirmed.
Investigators are still trying to establish the exact cause of the fire.
Mahlangu admitted that the fire will have a devastating effect on the hospital’s day-to-day operations.
She, however, stated that the department will now work with hospital management to make sure the supplies lost in the fire are immediately replaced before stocks run out.
She said they have to establish what supplies they need in the coming 48 hours so that their patients are not affected.
Mahlangu mentioned that her department will work with the department of infrastructure to repair the building and install fire sprinkler system.
The Hospital CEO Dr Vish Naidoo was also at the scene and he briefed the MEC on the fire.
No one was injured.
