By OBAKENG MAJE
7 December 2025- The family of Lesego Daniel Sebego (71) from Moretele village, in Taung, said it is concerned regarding his deteriorating health at Taung District Hospital. According to one of the family members who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, his family member was admitted at Taung District Hospital on 4 November 2025, with a broken hip.
“However, he is still flagging at the hospital bed without any assistance. We do not get a straight explanation on why he has not undergone operation yet. However, we heard some allegations that there are shortages of orthopaedic implants at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital due to unpaid invoices of the suppliers.
“This has left Sebego in a predicament with prolonged pain. Sebego is already losing hope and he is now developing bed sores. We just hope that these delays will not lead to permanent disability due to the progression of his conditions, while awaiting treatment,” he said.
The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said the Taung District Hospital acknowledges receipt of the enquiry regarding a patient who is currently admitted at the facility. Lehari said the hospital is fully aware of his case and continues to monitor his condition closely.
“The patient has not yet been transferred to the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex due to supply-related challenges. At present, the Complex does not have the required orthopaedic implant necessary for his surgical procedure.
“It is important to clarify that this delay is not due to bed shortages or a lack of surgeons, but rather a supply chain issue affecting the availability of the specialised implant. The hospital management is doing everything possible to resolve the supply constraints and to ensure that the patient receives the required surgical intervention as soon as possible,” he said.
Lehari further said the Sebego family has been informed of the situation, and communication channels remain open to provide regular updates and reassurance. He added that they regret the distress caused to the patient and his family and reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that all patients receive timely and appropriate care.
“The challenges are caused largely by exceptionally high demand from orthopaedic intervention. The Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital has been receiving a significant influx of patients from outside its jurisdiction including Free State, Northern Cape and Gauteng provinces, as well as foreign nationals from neighbouring countries.
“So, this is the reason why we are having this challenge. However, there are measures in place to ensure that patients receive timely and adequate treatment which includes correct referral pathways through the gatekeeping, adequate budget and proper revenue collection especially on those who can afford according to their financial classification,” said Lehari.
The Guardian 