The Eastern Cape’s estimated medicolegal liability fell from R38bn to just under R19bn over five years, according to former health department head Dr Rolene Wagner. However, analysts warn that a smaller bill does not, by itself, show that patients are safer. The province also wants to treat some children injured in public hospitals rather than pay lump sums for their…
Tag: Cerebral Palsy
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Medical Negligence Claims Drop – But Billions Still At Stake
Payouts by provincial health departments for medical negligence have fallen significantly in recent years. Yet the financial burden on the public health system remains enormous. A landmark court ruling has also closed the door on one proposed solution. According to National Treasury figures, negligence payouts dropped from R1.8 billion in 2019/20 to R1.5 billion in 2023/24. Health Minister Dr Aaron…
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EC Medico-Legal Claims: SCA Overturns Public Care Remedy
The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has struck down a High Court approach that could have reshaped the way the Eastern Cape Department of Health handles escalating medico-legal claims. The appeal court ruled on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, that allowing the department to provide future healthcare services instead of paying damages “violated the child’s best interests”. Appeal Court judge Ashton…