The Hospital Association of South Africa notes with concern the negative effects of electricity load shedding on patients in hospitals around the country.

Media reports are providing a clear and unambiguous narrative that demonstrates that where patients should be safest, under the care of skilled medical practitioners in care facilities, they are instead threatened by circumstances and conditions over which healthcare professionals – and in many cases even hospitals – have little or no control.

We add our voices to calls for hospitals to be excluded from load shedding, and for arrangements to be made to ensure healthcare facilities have sufficient electricity generation capability and where required, the fuel to ensure their smooth operation so patients enjoy diligent and uninterrupted care.