LIMPOPO – Two general practitioners of Limpopo have passed away due to Covid-19 related complications, according to a statement by Limpopo Department of Health Spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana.
Shikwambana said the doctors, aged 47 and 57 respectively, are the first cases of health care workers to die of Covid-19 related complications in the province.
“They were both general practitioners working for their own independent practices. They died while receiving treatment at two private hospitals in Polokwane,” he added.
Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba is saddened by the deaths of the two doctors and has send out her condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased.
The Minister of Health, Dr Zwelini Mkhize, on Thursday, announced that announced that 27 360 healthcare workers in South Africa contracted the virus.
In Limpopo, 47 doctors, 302 nurses and 248 other healthcare workers were infected.
In July, the MEC for Health in Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, officiated the launch of a psychological hub for healthcare professionals, that will be available 24 hours at every institution. At the time, Ramathuba said there was no amount of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that will stop the fear among healthcare workers in their line of duty. “Healthcare professionals are our last line of defence in the fi ght against Covid-19. We need to ensure we offer them the psychological support they need.”
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