Disturbing new footage from Dora Nginza Hospital has revealed pregnant women being forced to sit on chairs and lie on the floor while waiting for medical attention. This is the second such video to go viral in less than a month, highlighting what appears to be a systemic failure in maternity care at the facility.
The Eastern Cape Department of Health has acknowledged the crisis, stating that it responded by activating extra wards, bringing in agency nurses, and approving additional doctors for the unit. However, critics argue that these are only temporary fixes for a long-standing issue.
A Recurring Crisis
According to reports, the hospital’s maternity ward has been overwhelmed for over five years, with recurring incidents of women in labor being left unattended due to bed shortages and understaffing.
A video from April 22 showed dozens of pregnant women crowded into the ward, many sitting or lying on the floor. Another clip, recorded on May 1, confirmed that the situation had not improved, with some women reportedly in active labor while waiting for care.
Political Response and Oversight
Kabelo Mogatosi, a Democratic Alliance (DA) member of the provincial legislature, conducted an oversight visit following the latest viral video. He noted that while temporary interventions had restored some dignity to patients, the root causes remain unaddressed.
“The main issue is staff shortages, particularly obstetric specialists,” Mogatosi said. “Hospitals in smaller towns lack capacity for cesarean deliveries, forcing them to refer patients to Dora Nginza, which is already overburdened.”
He emphasized that the province must fill funded vacancies and prioritize hiring specialists to alleviate pressure on the hospital.
Calls for Long-Term Solutions
Health workers and unions have also raised concerns, pointing to overworked staff and insufficient resources. Nurses at the hospital are reportedly working beyond their 40-hour weeks, yet the demand continues to outpace available care.
The provincial health department has promised further engagement, but activists and opposition leaders are demanding concrete, sustainable solutions rather than reactive measures.
As investigations continue, affected women and their families are calling for urgent action to ensure safe and dignified maternity care.