4-year-old Dies Following Tooth Extraction At Free State Hospital

The Free State Department of Health has launched an investigation into the death of a four-year-old girl following a tooth extraction procedure at Botshabelo District Hospital. The child visited the hospital with her mother on Tuesday, 9 July.

Free State Department of Health MEC, Monyatso Viceroy Mahlatsi, described the incident as “unusual,” given the hospital’s extensive experience in pediatric tooth removals.

In response to this tragic incident, the orthodontic service at Botshabelo has been temporarily closed to allow for a thorough examination.

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“We are subjecting this matter to a thorough adverse events investigation as it is a very unusual occurrence,” said Mahlatsi. The MEC emphasized that the hospital’s highly trained staff had successfully performed many similar procedures.

According to Free State Department of Health spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, the young girl’s family was informed of her death by the senior clinical manager of the hospital.

Mvambi noted that the family and clinicians were initially in the dark about what had transpired during the procedure. He assured that the hospital is committed to uncovering the truth for both the family and the medical staff.

Mahlatsi extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, promising a speedy conclusion to the investigation.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to the family on their loss and will ensure that the investigation is speedily concluded so that we can all know what happened and what we can do next to overcome this unfortunate situation,” he stated.

Despite the tragedy, Mahlatsi urged the community to remember the positive impact of Botshabelo District Hospital.

“This single incident has devastated the clinical community but must never be allowed to negatively dent the image of the hospital that will still need to continue meeting the needs of many people that are dependent on it,” he added.

The investigation is still ongoing, and updates will be shared soonest.