R500 000 medical bill: thunee attack victim to be transferred to a state hospital

AFTER weeks on a ventilator following a violent altercation during a thunee game, Keith Govender's family must now transfer him to a state hospital as his private care costs spiral beyond R500 000.

Govender suffered severe brain injuries when he was allegedly stabbed in the head by Mahendra Ramadrah, 47, during the card game at the Friendly 8 Pool Hall in Silverglen, on January 30. 

The incident has left Keith, 22, hospitalised for more than two weeks, with doctors now preparing to move him to a state facility for continued care.

His mother, Sabitha Govender, said their family were going through an emotional and financial ordeal as they focused on his recovery.

“The doctors have said my son is stable but he is still on the ventilator at Chatsmed hospital. We now have to move him to a state hospital as his medical bills have now climbed to over R500 000. All our funds are depleted,” she said.

Sabitha explained that while her son’s condition had stabilised, he remained critically ill and dependent on life support.

“His neurologist is a God send. He understands Keith's case well and always helps no matter what. He said once Keith is moved, he would explain his medical records to the next doctor. He even phones us to give updates which we really appreciate,” she added.

The family now faces the difficult task of transferring Keith to another facility.

“We have to move him this week and the doctor will sort everything out. I am just worried that they will be moving him while he is still on the ventilator. I do not even think about the money we owe anymore, I am just concerned about my son getting better,” she said.

According to Sabitha, the hospital bill has exceeded R500 000.

The family has only managed to pay R150 000 so far, but costs continue to rise by approximately R25 000 each day he remains the private hospital.

“As a family we are slowly coming to terms with what has happened to Keith, it has finally sunk in. Keith is slowly opening and closing his eyes. It very slow but we are not pushing him. The doctors said it will be a long road to recovery for Keith,” she said.

“I just pray that God continues to protect my son on his progress to recovery.”

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