Fire at Joburg Hospital raises questions about maintenance and safety measures

16 April 2021

I am concerned by the fire that started at the dry dispensary of the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital this morning which caused the evacuation of cars from the parking level.

According to the hospital management, the fire started at about 11.15 am and there were no casualties, but there is still smoke from the area and all disaster units are on site to assist if they need to evacuate anyone.

Firefighters were called and staff were told to remove their cars. Surgery has also been halted as a precautionary measure.

See photo and video here, here and here 

Speedy investigation into the cause of the fire is needed, but it raises questions about the adequacy of occupational safety measures at this hospital which has a history of poor maintenance.

The situation at the hospital is still uncertain now, but I hope that it is brought under control as soon as possible so that patient care can function normally.

Issued by Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, 16 April 2021