DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health Jack Bloom MPL said on Monday that annual fire inspections were overdue at Leratong Hospital, George Mukhari Hospital, South Rand Hospital, Tara Hospital, Sebokeng Hospital, Carletonville Hospital, Edenvale Hospital, Pholosong Hospital and Rahima Moosa Hospital.
One of the hospitals last had a fire inspection in August 2012.
Bloom said according to a written reply by Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu to “my questions in the Gauteng Legislature in October last year” an inspection was last done at the Steve Biko Hospital in July 2014.
“It found that exits were blocked and while non-compliance letters were given to management, the exits were still a problem,” said Bloom.
The department says that the fire at Steve Biko may have been caused by a cigarette and most patients had to be evacuated. None were injured but about 13 employees were treated for smoke inhalation and discharged.
