Category: News

Media Statement_Inaugural Health Ombudsman Conference 2025 Highlights Health and Healthcare as a Human Right

Posted on | by Boitshoko Lebudi

For Immediate Release

10 September 2025

To All Editors and Health Journalists

INAUGURAL HEALTH OMBUDSMAN CONFERENCE 2025 HIGHLIGHTS HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE AS A HUMAN RIGHT

Pretoria.

The Health Ombud is set to convene its first-ever conference to be held on 11 and 12
September 2025 at the Emperors Palace Conference Centre in Kempton Park, Johannesburg. This
conference coincides with the commemoration of World Patient Safety Day, which closely aligns
with the Health Ombud’s mandate to safeguard the quality and safety of healthcare services for
all users.

The upcoming biennial conference will bring together healthcare professionals, policymakers,
regulators, academics, and members of civil society under the theme “Health and Healthcare as
a Human Right.” The event promises to deliver a high-quality and impactful event, featuring
discussions that will focus on healthcare as a constitutional right. Participants will share insights on
strengthening oversight to create a health system that is accessible, fair, and accountable.

The two-day programme will include a keynote address by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron
Motsoaledi (MP). It will feature in-depth open dialogue sessions and presentations that focus on
various factors affecting access to safe and quality healthcare services. Additionally, discussions
will cover the contribution of the private healthcare industry and funders towards achieving
universal access to healthcare in South Africa.

Speaking ahead of the conference, the Health Ombud, Emeritus Professor Taole Mokoena,
emphasised, “This conference serves as a vital platform to reflect on our progress, challenges, and
opportunities in ensuring that healthcare is recognised not as a privilege, but as a fundamental
human right. Our goal is to foster collective commitment to a patient-centred health system that
upholds dignity, fairness, and justice.”

The inaugural conference reaffirms the Health Ombud’s mandate to safeguard the public’s right
to health, promote a safe and ethical healthcare service, and drive continuous improvement in
the quality of care across the healthcare system.

Media are invited to cover the event. For accreditation, please email Ntombizodwa Kobuwe
nkobuwe@ohsc.org.za or visit the Health Ombud or OHSC websites on www.healthombud.org.za
or www.ohsc.org.za for more information.

Ends.

Issued by the Health Ombud.

Media Enquiries:
Ricardo Mahlakanya – Cell: 066 473 8666

Approved_Media Statement_Inaugural Health Ombud Conference 2025

1,344 Views

Media Statement_OHSC Board Expresses Concerns Over Patient Safety Following Fire Outbreak At Tembisa Regional Hospital

Posted on | by Boitshoko Lebudi

OHSC BOARD EXPRESSES CONCERNS OVER PATIENT SAFETY FOLLOWING FIRE OUTBREAK AT TEMBISA PROVINCIAL TERTIARY HOSPITAL

As a health services regulator, tasked with monitoring and protecting the health and safety of healthcare services users, the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) Board and management have noted with great concern reports of repeated incidents of fire outbreaks at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital, which could place patient and staff safety at risk.

These incidents have raised significant alarms about safety protocols and emergency preparedness, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive assessment of the facility to ensure the safety of patients, visitors, staff and other occupants of the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital premises.

All health establishments must prioritise the safety and security of patients, especially during emergencies. Health establishments must ensure that the systems comply with health regulations and foster a safe environment for everyone in their care.

The OHSC will be dispatching a team of inspectors to conduct a Risk- Based Inspection as a fact-finding action to establish circumstances surrounding the two fire incidences, the hospital management’s immediate response and actions taken and the effectiveness of existing safety measures in preventing recurrence thereof. Risk-based inspections are specifically triggered and conducted on an ad hoc basis in response to identified risks at heath facilities.

Considering that the winter season is already on, this inspection will enable the OHSC to establish possible root causes, and to make informed recommendations that are aimed at mitigating the risk of fire incidences at health facilities.

The OHSC urges all healthcare facilities and providers to regularly review their safety protocols and emergency response plans to avoid similar occurrences and ensure that the integrity of the healthcare system and the protection of the users of health services are maintained.

End.

Media Enquiries:
Ricardo Mahlakanya
Director: Communication and Stakeholder Relations and Spokesperson
066 473 8666 / rmahlakanya@ohsc.org.za

Download statement here: MEDIA STATEMENT_OHSC BOARD EXPRESS CONCERNS OVER PATIENT SAFETY FOLLOWING FIRE OUTBREAK AT TEMBISA REGIONAL HOSPITAL

1,794 Views

Release of the OHSC Risk-Based Inspection Findings and Health Ombud Investigation Report Findings into Allegations Against Helen Joseph Tertiary Hospital

Posted on | by Boitshoko Lebudi

MEDIA ADVISORY
7 March 2025
RELEASE OF THE OHSC RISK-BASED INSPECTION FINDINGS AND HEALTH OMBUD INVESTIGATION REPORT FINDINGS INTO ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HELEN JOSEPH TERTIARY HOSPITAL
The Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) and Health Ombud will host a media briefing to jointly release the findings of the risk-based inspection and investigation into the allegations against the Helen Joseph Tertiary Hospital. This follows allegations made by Mr Thomas Holmes, also known as Tom London. He posted a video recording on several social media platforms, alleging that during his admission in September 2024, he experienced neglect and rude behaviour from the hospital staff, including doctors. Additionally, he reported that the hospital’s infrastructure was in disrepair.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Monday, 10 March 2025
Time: 12:30 – 14:00
Venue: Ronnie Mamoepa Press Room, GCIS Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria
Journalists may also view and participate in the media briefing via live streaming using the links below.
Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA OR https://www.facebook.com/ohscsocialmedia
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GovernmentZA OR https://twitter.com/ohscsocialmedia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/governmentZA
Enquiries
Ricardo Mahlakanya 066 473 8666 / RMahlakanya@ohsc.org.za

Media Advisory_Release of OHSC and Ombud Findings Against Helen Joseph Hospital 7 March 2025

2,163 Views

The Bulletin Volume 9

Posted on | by Mpho Dikgale

1,102 Views

OHSC Engages in Collaborative Skills Development Session with HWSETA

Posted on | by Mpho Dikgale

Dr Mathabo Mathebula, Chief Operations Officer of the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC), has been invited to participate in a significant dialogue hosted by the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA). This discussion will enable the OHSC to share its expertise on the National Health Care Norms and Standards, aiming to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery across the sector.

Established under the National Health Act of 2013, the OHSC serves as an independent health regulator responsible for overseeing a wide range of health establishments in South Africa, from large hospitals and clinics to independent healthcare practices.

Key areas of discussion will include:

– Identifying Skills Needs: Assess the current skills landscape within the health sector to equip professionals to meet healthcare norms and standards better.
Support Mechanisms: Determining the necessary support to address existing skills gaps and needs and ensuring compliance with healthcare norms.
– Partnership Opportunities: Exploring potential collaborations to research and develop essential skills required for the health sector to meet the healthcare standards successfully.

For further details, please contact:
Ricardo Mahlakanya – Director: Communication and Stakeholder Relations
066 473 8666 / rmahlakanya@ohsc.org.za

2,277 Views