Gauteng Health reveals outcome of investigation into death of expectant mother

The Gauteng Department of Health says it has concluded an investigation into the death of Miriam Singh, a 32-year-old expectant mother who passed away within an hour of being admitted to the Westbury Clinic Midwifery Obstetric Unit (MOU).

Singh passed away on the morning of Sunday, 29 December 2024.

The investigation, initiated on 30 December, included an internal review and an expert analysis by leading specialists in obstetrics, gynecology, and surgery from Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. 

The department has since received the outcome of the internal investigation. 

“The internal report found that the correct protocols were followed by the healthcare workers in attendance. The postmortem report has revealed that the patient had a serious underlying condition which contributed to the deterioration of their condition within a short space of time after presenting at our health facility. 

“Given the doctor patient confidentiality the department is unable to expatiate further the actual medical condition of the patient. The investigating officer from the South African Police Service earlier today handed over the postmortem report to the Singh family,” the department said. 

The department expressed disappointment over unfounded allegations circulated on public platforms by various interested parties, describing them as “malicious and not based on clinical facts”.

“This is not only irresponsible behaviour it is also unethical and unfortunately compounds the pain experienced by the grieving family as they now have to contend with misinformation from about the condition of their loved one which can make it even harder to accept clinical facts,” the department said.

The department extended its deepest condolences to the Singh family for their loss and assured them of continued access to counselling services and redress whenever needed. – SAnews.gov.za