Patients Raise Alarm Over Missing Medical Files at Mapulaneng Hospital
Patients at Mapulaneng Hospital in Bushbuckridge have raised concerns over the alleged mismanagement of medical records, claiming that missing patient files are causing unnecessary delays, frustration and additional costs.
Residents say they frequently arrive at the hospital for medical attention only to be informed that their files cannot be located. As a result, some patients are allegedly forced to open new files, even when they have existing medical records at the facility.
A mother from Boikhutso village, who claims to have opened three different files within six months, said the recurring problem was affecting the continuity of her medical care.
She emphasised that access to previous medical records was essential for doctors to understand a patient's medical history and provide appropriate treatment.
She also alleged that hospital officials had refused her request to take her file home for safekeeping.
A grandmother from Dwarsloop, Face Two, echoed similar concerns, explaining that patients are often examined by different doctors during their visits, making accurate and accessible medical records particularly important.
"We are examined by different doctors each time we visit the hospital, so our files make it easier for the doctor attending to us on that particular day to understand our medical history and provide the necessary assistance," she said.
Patients further complained about spending several hours in queues while hospital staff search for their missing files. They believe the situation contributes to delays in accessing healthcare services and adds to the burden faced by people who are already unwell.
A concerned patient from Majembeng village appealed to hospital management to prioritise the proper filing and safekeeping of medical records.
He suggested that the hospital consider allowing patients to keep their medical files at home and bring them along whenever they visit the facility, provided appropriate arrangements are put in place.
He argued that such a measure could help reduce the repeated opening of new files and make it easier for patients to access healthcare without unnecessary delays.
The affected residents are calling on hospital management to investigate the reported problem, improve the management of patient records and introduce measures to ensure that files are readily available when patients arrive for consultations.
They maintain that efficient record-keeping is essential to effective healthcare delivery, as medical professionals rely on accurate patient histories to make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment.
The concerns have prompted calls for urgent intervention to ensure that patients at Mapulaneng Hospital receive timely and appropriate medical attention without the added frustration of repeatedly missing files.