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] 1kg.”
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 [am] energised to continue the work, to do those things to improve the quality of healthcare.”
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