Image Source: SABC News
Local – The Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) stated that it would dispatch a team of inspectors to conduct a risk-based inspection following two fire incidents at the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital in Gauteng. The aim is to determine the cause of the outbreaks and assess the hospital’s adherence to safety standards.
“Risk-based inspections are specifically triggered and conducted on an ad hoc basis in response to identified risks at health facilities,” the OHSC said.
“Considering that the winter season is already on, this inspection will enable the OHSC to establish possible root causes and to make informed recommendations that are aimed at mitigating the risk of fire incidents at health facilities.”
The repeated fire outbreaks have raised serious concern for the OHSC, which monitors and enforces health and safety regulations in public healthcare facilities.
The latest blaze broke out on Wednesday in the hospital’s main outpatient department. Smoke spread to the Eye Clinic and the pharmacy, which had been cleared following a previous fire on Saturday.
Key departments were also affected, including the surgical and medical outpatient units, family medicine, and the administration block. These areas had been prepared as temporary emergency service sites.
“These incidents have raised significant alarms about safety protocols and emergency preparedness, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive assessment of the facility to ensure the safety of patients, visitors, staff and other occupants of the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital premises,” said the OHSC in a statement.
The regulator stressed that all health establishments must comply with legal safety standards and be fully prepared to respond to emergencies.
“Health establishments must ensure that the systems comply with health regulations and foster a safe environment for everyone in their care,” the OHSC said.
Deputy Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla has reassured the public that services will continue despite the disruptions.
The OHSC has urged all healthcare providers to review their safety and emergency protocols to prevent further incidents and maintain public trust in the healthcare system.
