Kuruman Hospital Crisis: Patients Sleep on Floors Amid Resource Shortages

Kuruman Hospital Crisis: Patients Sleep on Floors Amidst Resource Shortages Kuruman, Northern Cape, South Africa – A disturbing report has emerged from Kuruman Hospital, exposing severe overcrowding and a lack of basic resources. A recent video shows patients forced to sleep on the floor due to an insufficient number of beds. The situation has sparked outrage among residents and raised serious concerns about the quality of healthcare in the region. "My husband died in this hospital two weeks ago," says Boitumelo Esterhuizen, a grieving widow. "The treatment here is not good at all. If it was better, he would still be alive." Her husband, involved in a car accident, was initially treated at Kuruman Hospital before being transferred, ultimately passing away. McDonald Rafotho, a Kuruman resident, echoes these concerns. "People come here and end up sleeping on the floor. Patients are not receiving the care they deserve. The hospital is very dirty. I am not pleased at all." The Northern Cape Health Department acknowledges the challenges. Lebogang Majaha, a representative, states that the department is "battling to keep up with the growing population of the district, fueled by mining activity." He adds that plans are underway to upgrade the hospital's accident and emergency unit this financial year. The video serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure and resources in Kuruman. While the Health Department commits to addressing the issues, the immediate suffering of patients remains a pressing concern.