Patients at the King Dinuzulu Hospital Complex have raised serious concerns over what they describe as a severe cockroach infestation affecting wards and disrupting recovery.
Several patients allege that cockroaches are present throughout the hospital environment, particularly at night, with reports of insects crawling across floors, walls, beds and, in some cases, patients themselves.
Sydenham resident Imraan Bennet, who was recently admitted to the facility, said he experienced the issue firsthand and questioned hospital staff about pest control measures during his stay.
According to Bennet, nursing staff acknowledged the problem and indicated that hospital management was aware of the infestation.
“I was told by the nursing staff that the hospital’s management is fully aware of this heavy cockroach infestation and that’s where it remains. Nothing more is being done to eradicate the problem,” Bennet alleged.
He added that he spent several nights unable to rest properly while dealing with the insects.
Bennet later shared his experience on social media, where other users and former patients claimed they had encountered similar conditions during their own hospital admissions.
One commenter, using the name “ResilientChipmunk8650”, claimed cockroaches were widespread throughout the facility, while another called for intervention from environmental health authorities.
A mother who said her child had been admitted to the children’s ward approximately a month ago also described similar conditions, alleging poor sanitation and pest presence during their stay.
She further claimed that even storage areas such as metal drawers were affected, making it difficult to safely keep food or personal items.
Additional allegations have also been raised regarding linen management practices, with one former patient claiming that bed linen was not always replaced between admissions.
The claims have raised concerns about infection prevention, hygiene standards and environmental health protocols at a facility responsible for treating some of KwaZulu-Natal’s most vulnerable patients.
In response, hospital management at King Dinuzulu Hospital Complex and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health said patient safety, infection prevention and environmental hygiene remain top priorities.
The hospital confirmed that a structured pest management programme is in place, including routine inspections, monitoring and fumigation services conducted by appointed service providers.
Management added that it has recently intensified pest control efforts through a broader intervention plan.
“The hospital is currently implementing a phased decanting of wards and selected sections to allow for deep cleaning and thorough fumigation. Additional measures include comprehensive fumigation of wards, increased environmental health inspections, strengthened waste management practices, sealing potential pest entry points and ongoing monitoring and follow-up treatments,” management said.
While acknowledging the importance of addressing any reported pest activity, hospital officials said they had not received confirmed evidence of a widespread infestation.
“The hospital leadership remains fully committed to creating an environment that promotes healing, dignity and safety for all patients,” management added.
The Department of Health said it would continue monitoring the effectiveness of the interventions and implement further measures where necessary.
Despite these assurances, patients say conditions remain concerning, with some describing sleepless nights while trying to recover in hospital care.
As one frustrated patient remarked: “A hospital should be a place where people heal, not where they stay awake fighting cockroaches.”
