New data from the Gauteng Health Department shows that more than seven thousand serious adverse events were recorded in public hospitals over the past year, with major Johannesburg facilities such as Chris Hani Baragwanath, Charlotte Maxeke, Helen Joseph, and others accounting for most cases. Incidents include avoidable infections, patient accidents, and other preventable harm.

Figures also show thousands of hospital-acquired infections across the province, with the biggest tertiary hospitals carrying the highest burden. Critics say weak management, staff shortages, and poor hygiene are driving the rise, while only a small number of disciplinary cases have been opened despite the scale of reported harm.