How world sees SA: Covid-19 patients freeze to death at Gauteng hospital, reports BBC

By Jarryd Neves

The BBC has recently reported on the ghastly conditions in which suspected Covid-19 patients found themselves in. Despite their need for hospitalisation, those requiring medical attention allegedly found themselves in a cold tent, with freezing temperatures brought on by winter. This, it is alleged, has led to "people dying of suspected hypothermia."

Speaking to the BBC on condition of anonymity, a doctor at Sebokeng Hospital – one of the largest hospitals in Gauteng – has spoken of the inhumane situation ill patients had to experience. "It was freezing in that tent. As soon as night falls it's horrible, you can see the patients declining. Hypothermia is one of the major causes of death here. Especially in that tent."

The doctor said that in just one 48-hour period, 14 people had succumbed – although not all due to hypothermia. "We're tired and fearful for our patients. I asked myself how many people need to die unnecessarily for there to be an adequate investigation."

___STEADY_PAYWALL___