Gauteng Health Dept says it's reduced civil lawsuit claims by R11bn since 2023

The Gauteng Department of Health said it has reduced its civil lawsuit claims from R18 billion in 2023 to just under R7 billion in the current financial year.

These are lawsuits filed against the department by patients who are seeking compensation for ill-treatment they suffered at any of the province’s public health facilities.

Gauteng has consistently been the province with the highest number of such claims.

At a media briefing in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said that the drastic decrease in the liability claims will also save the department millions in litigation costs.

"This significant achievement was driven by the robust case management strategy, including systematic removal of dormant matters. The consistent application of public health defence, which ensures that future medical expenses are covered through continued care of public health institutions rather than monetary compensation and the successful implementation of pilot mediation."