The Gauteng Department of Health has condemned DA Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) Madeleine Hicklin over claims that patients at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital were being denied essential medicines due to shortages, saying the allegations were reckless and misleading.
The department said Hicklin’s claims contained factual inaccuracies after hospital management engaged her following the publication of her statement on 16 July.
It said Hicklin had claimed that affected patients were in “Ward 5”, but Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital does not have a Ward 5 and instead uses a three-digit ward numbering system.
According to the department, Hicklin acknowledged the factual error during discussions with hospital management.
However, it said no public correction was issued, leaving what it described as misleading information in the public domain.
”Regrettably, no public correction was issued, leaving misleading information in the public domain.’‘
“The Department considers it irresponsible to make public allegations capable of causing panic and undermining confidence in public healthcare before verifying the facts,” Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said.
The department said most South Africans rely on public health facilities as their only source of healthcare, warning that reckless statements could discourage patients from seeking the care they need.
Mabona said while the department acknowledged that challenges exist within the public healthcare system, these are continuously managed through established clinical and supply chain processes to ensure continuity of patient care.
He said isolated operational matters should not be misrepresented in a manner that unfairly damages public confidence in healthcare institutions.
The department called on all public representatives, regardless of political affiliation, to exercise responsible oversight by verifying information before making public statements and correcting the public record when inaccuracies have been identified.
”The Department remains committed to transparency, accountability and ensuring that all Gauteng residents continue to receive quality, accessible and compassionate healthcare,” said Mabona.
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