Premier concerned about Keloid patient refusing treatment

The Limpopo Provincial Government says it is concerned about a man from Burgersfort in Sekhukhune who has been suffering from a keloid for an extended period.

The provincial government was responding to what it calls a false and misleading narrative suggesting that they are unwilling to assist the patient, Petro Malepe [43], who suffers from massive keloids.

Malepe from Manoke Village in Burgersfort is facing a daunting challenge due to a massive keloid growth under his chin and needs help to undergo a life-changing Surgery.

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Malepe has been living with the condition for more than a decade and has sought medical help with no luck. It is also alleged that the patient was turned away at public hospitals many times.

A surgery fundraising drive spearheaded by a general practitioner is currently underway on social media. Members of the public are requested to contribute towards Petros Malepe’s medical fees, which amount to R70,000.

However, according to Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, the government has made various efforts to persuade Malepe to visit one of their health facilities for treatment, but he refused.

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Ramathuba says some individuals within the health profession are preventing Malepe from receiving free and available treatment so they can profit from his suffering.

The provincial government says it is prepared to explore legal avenues to protect the patient and ensure that his plight is not misused for unethical gains.

“We have made various efforts to persuade this individual to come to the hospital for treatment,” stated Premier Dr Ramathuba.

“We recently directed the MEC for Health, Ms Dieketseng Mashego, to locate the patient and facilitate his admission to one of our top hospitals.

“Unfortunately, officials have encountered ongoing refusals from the patient to accept the assistance we are offering.”