{
  "id": 12304563,
  "title": "‘R698,030 medical bill: Gauteng Health Department denies family liable for toddler burn victim's costs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/r698-030-medical-bill-gauteng-health-department-denies-family-liable",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-06T04:52:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-10-06-r698030-medical-bill-gauteng-health-department-denies-family-liable-for-toddler-burn-victims-costs/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Gauteng Department of Health has denied claims that the family of two-year-old Peyton Wahl is responsible for a medical bill of approximately R698,030, stemming from the severe burns the toddler sustained after falling into a bathtub filled with hot water in August. Peyton, from Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni, suffered burns covering more than 20% of his body after the incident. He was first admitted to ARWYP Hospital for emergency treatment, and then transferred to Steve Biko Academic Hospital for further care. Peyton is still in hospital as he continues to recuperate from his injuries, which have been complicated by an infection and fever. His family has expressed concerns about access to necessary pain medication. A crowdfunding campaign, launched on BackaBuddy, initially reported medical expenses at around R200,000 but has since been updated to an estimated total of R698,030. This campaign has so far raised R709,041, including R247,200 in offline donations. The campaign highlights that Peyton's lengthy hospital stay and recovery are due to the severity of his injuries and the complications that have arisen. His family is appealing for financial assistance to help cover the costs associated with his treatment and recovery. However, the Gauteng Department of Health has refuted reports about Peyton's alleged medical bill and his classification as a patient. A spokesperson clarified that the hospital group classification (HG) allows children under the age of 6 years to be exempt from payment for hospital services, stating that the family is therefore not liable for the medical bill. The department emphasized their commitment to providing quality healthcare in accordance with applicable regulations while protecting patient privacy and dignity.",
  "summary": "The Gauteng Department of Health has rejected claims that the family of 3-year-old Peyton Wahl is facing a R698,030 medical bill after he suffered severe burns when he fell into a bathtub filled with hot water.",
  "key_points": [
    "Gauteng Health Department denies family liable for toddler's R698,030 medical bill.",
    "Peyton Wahl, two-year-old from Kempton Park, suffered burns covering over 20% of his body.",
    "Department clarified children under 6 exempt from payment for hospital services."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}