Outrage as Dora Nginza Patients Left Sleeping on Floors

A shocking video circulating on social media has exposed the dire conditions at Dora Nginza Hospital in the Eastern Cape, where patients are being neglected and left to sleep on the floor.

The footage, allegedly taken during visiting hours, shows a high care unit that appears to have been abandoned, with not a single nurse or doctor in sight.

The disturbing images have sparked outrage and concern among the public, with many calling for immediate action to address the situation.

The Eastern Cape Department of Health has strongly condemned the ongoing unprotected strike action at the hospital, stating that it is not in the best interests of patients, communities, or the broader public health system.

“The Department remains fully aware of the concerns raised by staff, which were treated with urgency and seriousness. However, it is equally clear that established, lawful processes must be addressed,” said Camagwini Mavovana, spokesperson for the MEC for Health.

Mavovana said the department has implemented measures to ensure continuity of care, including triaging and diverting patients to facilities with capacity, and deploying additional agency staff.

“However, employees have refused to return to duty, citing concerns over safety and security at the hospital.”

Mavovana said the department has taken steps to address these concerns, including deploying additional security personnel and visible SAPS patrols, clearing of foliage and strategic placement of floodlights, installation of CCTV cameras and expansion of burglar proofing across the facility, access security gate repairs at critical units, acceleration of perimeter fencing and access control upgrades, initiation of formal investigations into theft and security breaches, and provision of trauma debriefing and counselling services through Employee Assistance Programmes.

“Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire, with patients suffering as a result of the strike action,” said Mavovana.

Jane Cowley, MPL Shadow MEC for Health said: “This is a clear case of systemic failure and neglect.”

“The rights and dignity of patients and their families are being trampled upon. The Eastern Cape Department of Health remains out of touch with the conditions unfolding daily in hospitals and clinics across the province.”

Cowley said she has written to the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, requesting urgent intervention to restore functionality and basic healthcare services at Dora Nginza Hospital.

“The people of the Eastern Cape deserve better,” said Cowley.

“We will continue to pursue every available avenue of oversight and accountability until patients at this facility are treated with the dignity and care they deserve.”

Department spokesman Siyanda Manana said the department has taken decisive action against striking employees, including implementing a ‘No Work, No Pay’ principle and referring matters of professional misconduct to the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African Nursing Council.

“The public is urged to report any further incidents of neglect or misconduct to the relevant authorities. The situation at Dora Nginza Hospital is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the healthcare system in South Africa and the need for urgent action to address these issues,” he said.

Manana said the Eastern Cape Department of Health has assured the public that it is committed to protecting the rights of patients to uninterrupted healthcare services and will continue to work towards resolving the situation.