Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has expressed his condolences following the death of one of the conjoined twins separated in a groundbreaking operation at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital in Limpopo, describing the loss as a painful setback after a rare medical breakthrough.
Motsoaledi conveyed his message during a visit to the hospital on Friday, where he met the medical team and received updates on the condition of the surviving twin.
Significant milestone
The twins, born on January 28 and joined at the abdomen, were separated in a complex eight-hour surgery in March.
The procedure marked a significant milestone for the country’s public health system, demonstrating its capacity to perform highly specialised operations at a provincial facility.
However, days after the successful separation, one of the babies developed a severe infection that escalated into multiple organ failure, leading to his death.
Health department spokesperson Foster Mohale said the minister had extended his sympathies directly to the grieving family.
“The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, conveyed his deepest condolences to the family following the passing of one of the conjoined twins who were recently separated at Mankweng Hospital,” said Mohale.
Doctors lauded
He said the minister had also taken time to acknowledge the work of the doctors who carried out the delicate procedure.
“He further recognised the exceptional work of the multidisciplinary team, whose efforts demonstrated the strength and capability of the country’s public health system in performing highly specialised and complex surgical procedures,” Mohale said.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over what had initially been celebrated as a surgical success, highlighting the risks that follow such high-stakes operations.
Newborns vulnerable after surgery
Medical experts have long acknowledged that newborns remain highly vulnerable to infections after major surgery, with sepsis among the leading causes of complications in neonatal care.
Mohale said the department had reassured the family that the surviving twin remains under close medical supervision.
“The Minister has assured the family that the remaining twin will continue to receive the highest level of medical care, and that the department will closely monitor the child’s condition,” he said.
Motsoaledi’s visit, accompanied by Limpopo Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego, underscored both the pride and pain surrounding the case, a moment where medical progress met the fragile limits of human intervention.
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- One of the conjoined twins separated in a rare eight-hour surgery at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital has died due to severe infection and multiple organ failure.
- Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi visited the hospital, expressed condolences to the family, and received updates on the surviving twin's condition.
- The groundbreaking separation surgery marked a significant milestone for South Africa’s public health system, showcasing its ability to conduct highly specialised procedures.
- The minister praised the multidisciplinary medical team for their exceptional work and emphasised the risks newborns face post-surgery, particularly from infections like sepsis.
- The surviving twin remains under close medical supervision, with assurances of continued high-level care from the health department.
