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- The fire that ravaged Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital was reportedly caused by arson.
- Parts of the hospital are still not operational nearly 18 months after the fire.
- The repairs are only expected to be completed in 2023.
The fire that gutted parts of Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in April 2021 was reportedly caused by arson.
According to Daily Maverick, a police forensic report has ruled out an accident as the cause of the fire and calls for further investigation. Several discrepancies have reportedly been noted in the forensic report, including in the evidence of a staff member who witnessed the outbreak of the fire. Statements from hospital staff were also only taken six months after the fire.
READ | Charlotte Maxeke: Govt to spend R1bn, repairs expected to be finalised in 2023 - Jack Bloom
The fire broke out in a special dispensary storage room.
According to Daily Maverick, medical goods worth R40 million in the storeroom, as well as a large amount of personal protective equipment were destroyed.
Nearly a year after the fire, the national health department has taken over the institution's rehabilitation project.
Parts of the hospital are still not operational, and the repairs are only expected to be completed next year. Among the units still to be repaired are the obstetrics and gynaecology unit, paediatric area, surgery area, and internal medicine department.
News24 previously reported Health Minister Joe Phaahla as saying that the hospital was functioning at around 70% to 85% capacity.
Phaahla reopened the accident and emergency unit at Charlotte Maxeke hospital in May. The rehabilitation of the unit cost R68 million.
