Limpopo Health MEC slams pictures of epileptic patient at hospital
Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba has called on members of the public to stop circulating images of an epileptic patient lying on the floor at Letaba Hospital.
She said the pictures disregard the patient's basic human rights.
This comes after a video of a woman experiencing seizures was captured while queuing at the hospital pharmacy to collect her chronic medication on Thursday.
"It is unfortunate that when the patient started experiencing the seizure episode, which included temporary abnormalities in muscle movements, meaning stiffness, twitching and limpness, while on the floor, a known mental healthcare user who was also in the queue to collect his chronic medications, started taking pictures," said the MEC's spokesperson Thilivhali Muavha.
"These are the pictures circulating all over with fabricated stories. The pharmacists were quick to respond and call the casualty nurses who came with the doctor and stabilised the patient by stopping the seizures and admitted the patient, who was later discharged."
According to reports and complaints of other patients recorded in a video, staff members at the hospital were having a meeting during working hours and failed to respond on time when called.
Ramathuba strongly condemned the circulation of the video on social media.
"We are equally disturbed by the delinquents who masqueraded themselves as journalists, disregarding the patient’s basic human rights and circulating pictures of a patient in a compromised position.
"We encourage a collective focus on upholding patient dignity, respect, and prompt medical intervention in all circumstances,” added Ramathuba.
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