South Africa’s state hospitals are in crisis.
South Africa has just over 18 000 doctors in the public sector, which means there is one doctor to every 3 800 citizens without medical aid.
The World Health Organisation recommends an average ratio of eight doctors to every 10 000 people – about three times more doctors than South Africa currently has.
Mary Gail Phillips is an old lady currently lying in Witbank Provincial Hospital, covered in bedsores.
Gail is a pensioner, and has no medical aid, so didn’t have the option to be admitted to a private hospital.
Gail developed bedsores due to neglect, says her family, and they’re currently festering.
“The Back On Your Feet (BOYF) Foundation has taken on the case and a legal team is dealing with it. In the meantime, Gail is not being treated and therefore we decided to do a fundraiser, however it takes time to plan an event. Time is not on Gail’s side and therefore we are now appealing to the public for donations to enable us to get her to a private hospital to save her life,” Tessa Riekert of BOYF explained.
Gail has been cared for by her sister and brother-in-law for decades, both of whom are 76-years-old themselves, because she is mildly mentally disabled.
Due to her condition, Gail was never able to be gainfully employed.
Gail also never had any children, meaning that her only family is her sister and her sister’s children.
Due to Gail’s sister’s age, it’s also almost certain that once she leaves the hospital – a qualified caregiver would need to be hired for Gail.
The Back On Your Feet Foundation, a registered NPO, is pleading for donations from the public to enable them to transfer Gail to a hospital where she will receive the care she deserves.
Donations can be made to:
First National Bank
BOYF Back on your Feet
Business Cheque Account
Account number: 62707950326
Branch code: 251045
Reference: Medical GP
Tessa Riekert of The Back On Your Feet Foundation can be contacted on 083 270 0026 or at info@boyfsa.co.za for further information.
The department of health was approached for comment, however no response had been received at the time of publication.
