DA raises alarm over rising nosocomial infections in Gauteng hospitals

The Democratic Alliance has sounded the alarm over what it calls a “growing health crisis” in Gauteng’s public hospitals, where an increasing number of patients are reportedly contracting new infections due to unsanitary conditions, overcrowding, and neglect. 

This revelation follows a DA inquiry in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, which revealed that 7,743 patients acquired nosocomial infections while receiving care in public hospitals in 2024, many of them antibiotic-resistant and potentially life-threatening.

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom, explained that the infections, known as nosocomial infections, occur when patients contract illnesses during their hospital stay that are unrelated to their original condition. 

He pointed out that Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital (CMJH) had the highest incidence, with 1,473 out of 12,940 patients in 2024 contracting nosocomial infections, an alarming 11%, meaning roughly one in every ten patients was affected.

Bloom also stated that nosocomial infections are more prevalent in higher-level hospitals due to the nature of their work, treating more complex cases, longer patient stays, frequent invasive procedures, and increased antibiotic use. He lamented that many of these infections are easily preventable with proper hygiene and stricter infection control measures.

“I am concerned that many patients are getting infections that can be easily avoided with basic improvements like decent cleaning and adequate linen. Imagine the extra pain and suffering of patients who pick up infections that extend their stay in the hospital and can even be life-threatening.”

He also emphasised that linen shortages are a contributing factor, forcing patients to reuse bedding and pyjamas for extended periods. 

“Surgical patients, in particular, face increased risks due to the hospital’s inability to provide clean linen both before and after operations,” said Bloom.

However, Bloom stressed that while a certain number of hospital-acquired infections may occur even in well-managed facilities, urgent intervention is needed at the most affected institutions, particularly Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital. He added that this is yet another reason why the hospital’s CEO, Gladys Bogoshi, should be swiftly replaced with a capable and experienced professional.

In response to the alarming surge in hospital-acquired infections, Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said several crucial measures have been implemented to curb the spread of nosocomial infections and enhance patient safety across public hospitals.

“A dedicated Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) committee has been established to oversee the implementation of IPC guidelines across healthcare facilities in the province. This committee convenes monthly to identify and  address challenges faced by these facilities.”

He further stated that Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, assured that an Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) evaluation was conducted to gauge compliance with infection control measures in healthcare facilities. The results were shared with hospital management, and six facilities were flagged as underperforming during the assessment.

"Six healthcare facilities were identified as underperforming during the IPCAF assessment, leading to enforcement letters being issued to the CEOs of those hospitals. The IPC committee conducted follow-up visits to non-compliant hospitals, guiding them to develop Quality Improvement Plans and monitor their implementation," said Modiba.

Modiba stressed that the department has rolled out a province-wide monitoring system to track and respond to hospital-acquired infections, with teams conducting regular checks to detect outbreaks early.

“IPC practitioners conduct daily, weekly, and monthly surveillance activities to monitor infection trends and identify microorganisms responsible for HAIs,” Modiba said.

Modiba added that Antimicrobial Stewardship teams have been established to ensure antibiotics are used correctly and to curb resistance. He also noted that the department is offering refresher training for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practitioners.

“This training equips healthcare workers with up-to-date IPC practices, and participants are awarded a certificate of competence upon completion,” he said.

Other hospitals with a worrying number of hospital-acquired infections include:

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBH) - 1796 (6%) out of 31 950 admissions.

Edenvale Hospital - 407 (8%) out of 5166 admissions.

Kalafong Hospital - 554 (6%) out of 8952 admissions.

Tembisa Hospital - 596 (5%) out of 13 116 admissions.

Rahima Moosa Hospital - 217 (5%) out of 4320 admissions.

Leratong Hospital - 365 (4%) out of 1026 admissions.

Pholosong Hospital - 249 (4%) out of 5796 admissions.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za