The Ncoyini family is taking legal action against the Eastern Cape Health Department after nurses at Isilimela Hospital allegedly switched their newborn with another baby. The incident, which has left both families traumatized, comes as the National Health Department faces over R63 billion in medico-legal claims amid ongoing budget constraints.
A Seven-Month Ordeal
The mix-up was only discovered after DNA tests confirmed the babies’ true parentage seven months later. One of the mothers, Noloyiso Ncoyini, claims she immediately raised concerns that the child given to her was not hers but was ignored by hospital staff.
“I told the nurses this wasn’t my baby, but they dismissed me and forced me to take a stranger’s child home,” she said.
On the other side, Namini, the other mother involved, had no idea her child had been switched. She cared for the baby she believed was hers, only to later learn the devastating truth.
“This has left me in disbelief and traumatized,” Namini said. “When I got the baby, she was in a terrible state—rashes, untreated diaper rash, and cuts. I think the other mother knew it wasn’t her child and didn’t care for her properly.”
Ongoing Health Struggles
The babies have since been reunited with their biological families, but the emotional and physical scars remain. Noloyiso’s 10-month-old daughter continues to suffer from severe health issues, including eczema and a recent diagnosis showing symptoms of TB, HIV, and another infection.
“I took her to the doctor, but the treatment isn’t working. She’s still very sick,” Noloyiso said. The family also claims they never received trauma counseling to cope with the ordeal.
Legal Action Underway
The law firm representing the Ncoyini family confirmed they are pursuing a negligence lawsuit against the Health Department.
“Our office has received instructions to take legal action against the department for the negligence at Isilimela Hospital and the trauma inflicted on this family,” their attorney stated.
The Eastern Cape Health Department acknowledged the case, confirming that their legal team is handling the matter.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns over negligence in South Africa’s healthcare system, where underfunding and staffing challenges continue to jeopardize patient care.