Gauteng health department says family of toddler not liable for R698,030 bill

The Gauteng Department of Health has denied that the family of two-year-old Peyton Wahl is liable for a roughly R698,030 medical bill after the toddler suffered severe burns. The department said reports about the patient’s classification and the alleged bill were incorrect.

What happened to Peyton

Peyton, from Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni, suffered burns to more than 20% of his body after falling into a bathtub filled with hot water late in August. He was initially treated at ARWYP Hospital and later transferred to Steve Biko Academic Hospital, where he remains in hospital receiving care.

Dispute over medical costs

A crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy listed an estimated cost of R698,030 and said the family faced lengthy treatment and recovery because of the extent of the injuries and subsequent complications, including an infection and a fever. The campaign stated it had so far raised R709,041, including R247,200 in offline donations.

Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said Peyton was classified under the hospital group (HG) category and that children under the age of 6 years are exempted from payment for hospital services, subject to the applicable provisions and regulations. He said the family was therefore not liable for the alleged medical bill.

Fundraising and official response

Mabona also said the hospital had not initiated or requested any public fundraising campaign to cover Peyton’s treatment. He said the department was committed to providing quality healthcare in line with legislation, policies and public healthcare regulations, and appealed to the media and public to verify information with the department before publishing or sharing reports that could cause unnecessary concern.

Current condition

The campaign noted Peyton’s recovery has been complicated by an infection and fever. The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed he remains at Steve Biko Academic Hospital receiving treatment for his injuries.