ABOUT 60 newborn babies have been abandoned across Gauteng public hospitals from January to August this year.
The previous year, the Provincial Health Department recorded 119 abandoned babies compared to 145 abandoned babies in 2020.
This is according to the Gauteng Health Department in its written reply to the Gauteng Legislature.
Last year, Thelle Mogoerane Hospital in Ekurhuleni recorded the highest number of 15 abandoned babies.
Other hospitals with significant numbers include:
Tembisa Hospital with 13 babies, followed by Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital, with both hospitals recording 12 babies.
Leratong Hospital recorded 11 babies, George Mukhari Hospital with 10 babies, Far East Rand Hospital and Sebokeng Hospital, each recorded seven abandoned babies.
Edenvale Hospital and Mamelodi Hospital had the least numbers.
Jack Bloom of the DA and Member of the Gauteng Legislature said the department has told the Legislature that hospitals has indentified socio-economic background of mothers as a major reason for babies abandoned in their wards.
Other reasons stated include babies born with disabilities, unplanned pregnancy, sex workers with repeat deliveries, and poor support system.
Some babies are brought to hospitals after they were rescued from dumping sites.
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“The Covid pandemic worsened the socio-economic circumstances that lead to abandoned babies.
“It’s clear that this is a tragic and multi-faceted issue which needs a variety of preventive measures,” said Bloom.
Measures proposed include family preservation, and better provision of contraceptive services, especially to teenagers.
In August, the Stop Stockouts Project (SSP) released its latest report on the availability of medication in public health facilities. The report found that female contraceptives, especially injectables, were most often out of stock.
