(Health): Over 100 Babies Abandoned at Gauteng, South Africa Hospitals

 

A very bizarre news of how a number of babies were abandoned at hospitals in Gauteng in 2021. The provincial department of health revealed in a reply to a question from a member of the provincial legislature. According to them, most women leave their children due to socio-economic reasons.

The report has it that there were 119 abandoned babies in Gauteng. They were left at the following health facilities in 2021:

Thelle Mogoerane Hospital – 15

Tembisa Hospital – 13

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital – 12

Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital – 12

Leratong Hospital – 11

George Mukhari Hospital – 10

Far East Rand Hospital – 7

Sebokeng – 7

Edenvale Hospital – 6

Mamelodi Hospital – 5

 

According to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Shadow MEC for health, Jack Bloom, said the figures compared to the 145 babies abandoned in 2020. He added that 56 children were deserted in the province from January to August 2022.

Quoting him, “all the hospitals identify the poor socio-economic background of mothers as a major reason for babies abandoned in their wards”.

Other reasons included babies born from broken relationships; migrant mothers who gave the wrong details over the fear of deportation; babies abandoned because they were born disabled; unplanned pregnancies and several more.

“Missing or wrong contact details for mothers is frequently mentioned by hospitals. Some babies are brought to the hospital after they are dumped in the veld, streets or dustbins,” said the DA MPL.

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