Milpark Hospital allegedly refused to treat a JMPD officer shot on duty because the City of Johannesburg had not paid its debt.
Officer Turned Away Over Alleged Debt
According to IOL, Public Safety Committee Chairperson Sarah Wissler said the hospital refused to treat the officer on Wednesday night because the City reportedly owes it R35 million.
The incident left the critically injured officer at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Where he waited for hours before receiving treatment.
“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 Joburg owes the hospital R35 million.” Wissler said in a statement on Thursday 1 May.
Transferred After Long Delay
Wissler said the officer eventually received treatment and remains in the intensive care unit.
She expressed outrage at the delay and urged the city to settle its debts.
“Our officers put their lives on the line every day. They deserve immediate medical attention, not red tape and delays,” she said.
She added that she had escalated the matter to the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) and called for a broader investigation into unpaid accounts that may be affecting emergency services.
City Disputes Debt Claim
In a statement, the City of Johannesburg denied owing R35 million and said the current amount due to Milpark Hospital is R3.9 million.
It added that the City processes payments weekly and has held discussions with the hospital to address billing and payment timelines.
“The conduct of healthcare professionals at Milpark Hospital is unacceptable,” the city said. “They refused to treat a critically injured officer. A complaint will be lodged with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).”
City Orders Investigation
The city said its acting city manager has assembled a team to meet urgently with hospital executives.
The Group Forensic and Investigation Services will launch an internal probe to determine whether city officials were at fault.
The city criticised the release of unverified information to the media and said it would refer the matter to the Speaker and Chief Whip of Council.
Suspect’s Acquaintance Arrested
The suspect shot the officer twice in the upper body during a pursuit. Police arrested a person believed to be the suspect’s associate and recovered a firearm.
The city said it hopes for the officer’s full and speedy recovery.
Should hospitals ever deny emergency care over unpaid government bills, especially when lives are at stake?
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