Failing South Africa: Patients suffer without hot water in nine Gauteng hospitals

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Patients suffer without hot water in nine Gauteng hospitals

12 June 2025

Patients in nine Gauteng public hospitals have suffered without hot water as the winter cold has bitten.

This is confirmed by Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature. She says the following hospitals have had hot water problems since 1 May this year:
– Bertha Gxowa Hospital,
– Cullinan Care and Rehab,
– Sterkfontein Hospital,
– Edenvale Hospital,
– Lenasia Hospital,
– Kalafong Hospital,
– Weskoppies Hospital,
– Jubilee Hospital,
– Tshwane Rehabilitation Care Hospital.

Reasons for a lack of hot water include leaking steam pipes and broken boilers, compressors, and heat tanks.

The department says: "The critical equipment such as boilers, chillers, heat pump, air conditioners etc. are old and were not serviced appropriately for a long time. The impact is that due to their heavy usage in winter the department experiences a lot of breakdowns."

I suspect they are underplaying the hot water problem as I have received complaints from patients at several other hospitals.

It is inexcusable that sick people have to wash in cold water in winter.

The department says R100 million is set aside to recapitalise hospital equipment. This is a long overdue investment, but needs to be spent properly, unlike failed projects in the past.

A DA-led provincial government would ensure consistent maintenance of critical hospital equipment, and timely purchase of new equipment when necessary.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL – DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, 12 June 2025

Source: https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/patients-suffer-without-hot-water-in-nine-gauteng-?utm_source=Politicsweb+Daily+Headlines&utm_campaign=a02c093bb3-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_05_29_11_20_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-59ed0c78cb-140246843

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