Gauteng Health dismisses claims of body backlog at Helen Joseph Hospital mortuary

The Gauteng Department of Health has refuted claims circulating on social media that Helen Joseph Hospital is experiencing a backlog of bodies at its mortuary, describing the allegations as false and misleading.

The department said the video being shared online is old and does not reflect the current situation at the Johannesburg hospital.

In a statement on Wednesday, Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Steve Mabona urged the public not to spread unverified information. "The Department wishes to clarify that the video does not reflect the current situation at the hospital and the claims being made are inaccurate and misleading," said Mabona.

He said the hospital's mortuary currently has adequate capacity to accommodate bodies entrusted to its care. "As of today, the mortuary has a total storage capacity of 77 bodies, with 25 bodies currently in storage, leaving 52 spaces available," Mabona said.

The department also dismissed claims that families were unable to collect the bodies of their loved ones.

"Families continue to collect the bodies of their loved ones daily in accordance with established procedures. There is therefore no backlog of bodies at the facility as alleged in the circulating video," he said.

Regarding unclaimed bodies, Mabona said the hospital currently has seven pauper cases. "The tracing of next of kin and other statutory processes are ongoing in accordance with prescribed protocols before any further action is taken," he said.

The department appealed to members of the public to verify information before sharing it on social media. 

"Members of the public are urged to exercise caution when sharing old or unverified content on social media, as this may create unnecessary anxiety and spread misinformation," Mabona said.