Netcare denies turning away officer shot on duty

'R35M DEBT’

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

NETCARE Hospital Division has dismissed claims that its Netcare Milpark Hospital turned away a Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer who was shot while on duty, allegedly due to a R35 million debt owed by the City of Johannesburg.

This follows allegations made by Public Safety Committee Chairperson Sarah Wissler, who said the officer was refused medical attention and transferred to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, where he waited for hours before receiving care.

“Last night, one of our JMPD officers was shot while on duty. When taken to Netcare Milpark Hospital, he was denied emergency care because the City of Johannesburg owes the hospital R35 million,” Wissler said in a statement on Thursday.

According to Wissler the officer, now in critical condition, was moved to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, where he received delayed treatment and remains in the intensive care unit.

“As chairperson of the Public Safety Committee, | am appalled. Our officers put their lives on the line for us daily. They deserve immediate care, not bureaucracy and delays,” she said.

Wissler said she escalated the matter to the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) and called for the outstanding debt to be settled urgently.

In response, Netcare reaffirmed its commitment to providing critical care to all individuals, including members of the JMPD, and refuted claims that the officer was denied emergency care.