Family believe negligence at Mankweng Hospital led to death of 16-year-old’s newborn
The said incident occurred early this year, when the teenager, who was six months pregnant at the time, went to the hospital to seek medical assistance as she was experiencing pain.
POLOKWANE – The family of a 16-year-old girl in Mankweng is seeking justice after they believe negligence at the Mankweng Hospital led to the death of the young girl’s infant.
The said incident occurred early this year, when the teenager, who was six months pregnant at the time, went to the hospital to seek medical assistance as she was experiencing pain. “Following our conversation with one of the doctors we believe the hospital is responsible for the infant’s death, due to the medical treatment the mother received at the hospital,” said a close family friend. The family, however didn’t want to elaborate on this claim or as to what treatment she received.
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“She could not sleep due to extreme pain, and when she went to the bathroom she discovered she was in premature labour,” the family friend explained.
The family said staff at the hospital was aware of the pregnancy before administering medication.
“We are shocked. She was excited and looked forward to being a mother. She made time to have regular antenatal check-ups to monitor the progress of the pregnancy. When her mother called to tell me that she had given birth at home, I arranged for her and the newborn to be taken to hospital. When we got to the hospital the infant was declared dead. To make matters worse, when we asked for a post-mortem examination to verify the cause of death of our grandson we were sent from pillar to post,” explained David Dikotla, the girl’s father.
The family said they did file a formal complaint at the hospital for the hospital’s apparent refusal to perform a post-mortem, and decided to take legal action.
The body of the infant is said to still be in the hospital’s morgue.
Health Spokesperson Neil Shikwambana said two parties have in the meantime decided to find a solution out of court.
