Tragedy in Limpopo: Toddler dies after being turned away by clinic staff

Tragedy in Limpopo: Toddler dies after being turned away by clinic staff! A tragic incident in Limpopo has raised serious concerns about healthcare accessibility and quality after a two-year-old child died allegedly due to being turned away by staff at Praktiseer Clinic in Tubatse.

The heartbreaking event occurred on March 28, 2025, when the child, who was suffering from a severe nosebleed, was denied treatment because their medical file was unavailable.

According to Neil Shikwambana, spokesperson for the Limpopo Department of Health, the child’s condition worsened rapidly, and despite attempts to seek help elsewhere, they passed away before reaching another clinic located five kilometres away.

“It is alleged that a two-year-old toddler, who was experiencing a nosebleed, was turned away by clinic staff due to the child’s medical file not being available,” Shikwambana stated.

Toddler dies

The incident has sparked outrage and renewed debates about healthcare inefficiencies in the province, particularly regarding bureaucratic barriers to emergency care.

Investigation Launched into Clinic’s Conduct

Following public uproar, the Limpopo Department of Health has launched an immediate investigation into the circumstances leading to the child’s avoidable death.

Shikwambana reassured the public that authorities would thoroughly examine the incident and take appropriate action.

“The Department has expressed deep concern over this alleged incident and is committed to investigating the matter fully to determine the circumstances so that it can determine the next course of action.”

He further emphasized that healthcare facilities should prioritize patients’ lives over paperwork, reinforcing the department’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens receive the medical attention they deserve, regardless of administrative challenges.

The child’s death has triggered nationwide concern, with many questioning whether stringent protocols and lack of urgency within healthcare facilities are putting patients at unnecessary risk.

Calls for Reform in Healthcare System

Health activists and community leaders have demanded accountability and immediate reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Many argue that medical files should not be a requirement for emergency treatment, and healthcare professionals should have discretion to provide immediate care, especially in cases where a patient’s condition is life-threatening.

Critics have called for:

• Better training for clinic staff to handle emergencies.

• A revision of medical file policies to allow treatment in urgent cases.

• Disciplinary action against responsible personnel to prevent negligence.

• An expansion of healthcare services in rural areas to reduce dependency on a few overcrowded clinics.

Separate Incident: Limpopo MEC Orders Investigation into Nurse’s Social Media Comments

In another disturbing development, Limpopo MEC for Health, Dieketseng Mashego, has ordered an urgent investigation into a male nurse suspected of posting inappropriate and sexualized comments about children on social media.

The offensive post, which circulated widely, has sparked outrage, with many calling for strong action against the individual involved.

Mashego confirmed that initial investigations suggest that one of the disturbing comments might have been made by a profile belonging to a male nurse employed by the department.

“It has since been established that one of the dreadful comments on the conversation might have been made by a profile belonging to a male nurse under the employ of the department,” Mashego stated.

She strongly condemned the remarks, stating that they promote a culture of child abuse, rape, and gender-based violence—serious issues South Africa continues to grapple with.

Zero Tolerance for Child Exploitation

Mashego assured the public that the Limpopo Department of Health has a zero-tolerance policy regarding any form of child exploitation or normalization of gender-based violence.

“We want to make it clear that the Limpopo Department of Health maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of the sexualization of children or any comments that normalize or condone violence against women and children.”

She further called for community solidarity to stand against child abuse, gender-based violence, and harmful online behaviors.

Mashego urged members of the public to report any inappropriate conduct by medical professionals or any incidents that endanger the well-being of children and vulnerable individuals.

Public Outcry and Demands for Action

Both incidents—the tragic death of the two-year-old child at Praktiseer Clinic and the male nurse’s alleged comments—have ignited national outrage, with calls for accountability and urgent reform.

Citizens have expressed frustration over the healthcare system’s inefficiencies, with many demanding swift justice and policy changes to prevent similar tragedies.

The two cases underscore the urgent need for accountability in South Africa’s healthcare sector, as well as the importance of ensuring that medical professionals uphold ethical standards both in their work and in their personal conduct.

What Happens Next?

• The Limpopo Department of Health’s investigation into the Praktiseer Clinic incident is ongoing, with possible disciplinary action against the responsible staff.

• Authorities are also investigating the male nurse’s social media activity, with potential consequences including suspension or dismissal.

• Health officials may review policies related to patient files and emergency care to prevent further loss of life due to administrative failures.

These cases highlight the urgent need for systemic reform, ensuring that no child is denied care due to paperwork and that healthcare professionals maintain the highest ethical standards.