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Klebsiella babies 'underweight'
29/11/2007 12:22 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Most of the babies who died following a klebsiella outbreak at a Durban hospital were underweight and born to teenage mothers, Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang said on Thursday.
Tshabalala-Msimang was speaking at the opening of a public hospital management conference in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
The minister paid a visit to the Prince Mshiyeni Memorial hospital on Wednesday following the death of five babies from klebsiella.
"One of the issues that arose... was that most of the babies that died were underweight, [about] 1 kilogramme."
Tshabalala-Msimang said it was also "disturbing" that many of the babies were born to teenage mothers.
She said it was therefore important for there to be an in-depth study of the social determinants in that particular situation.
"There are a lot of things we still need to look into."
Tshabalala-Msimang, wearing a bright green and yellow top and skirt, thanked hospital managers for their prayers and messages she had received this year.
"This year has indeed had challenges, and challenges at a personal level."
"I have indeed recovered and energised (sic) to continue the work. To do those things to improve the quality of health care."
Tshabalala-Msimang said she was aware of the acts of violence and continuing intimidation resulting from industrial action.
She said the department was working on a proposal to institute security packages in hospitals. This proposal would be completed early in the new year.
- SAPA
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